Road Trip!

A couple of weekends ago, Mr. Thisorthat and I went on a road trip to pick up something he had purchased.  Gotta love the Internet for all kinds of things!  Since Laura (I am the Diva)  had just posted her Artoo pattern, I wanted to work on it a little.  After I got the Artoo down on the paper, I wanted to add some leaves to my tangle.  Well if you have ever tried to draw (or write) when riding in the car (especially if Mr. Thisorthat is driving - dont be mad you know its true), it doesn't work too well.  I found that if I held the pencil on the paper, the movement of the car made the pattern on the leaves for me.  It became a lot of fun to see what the leaves would actually look like.  I guess its the same way with everything we do, if you "wing it" you might be surprised what the outcome is.  Enjoy the last day of February!

 For some reasons on Sunday's I have the hardest time getting to my blog.  It's not that I'm doing anything in particular, but it just slips my mind.  Probably a different routine but still I should have done it HOURS ago!!  I'm trying to do more simple tangles these days and this one, even though Mr. Thisorthat thinks it needs more tangles all over, I'm going to call this one done as it is.  I even half way agree with him, but I'm trying to get away from feeling like I need to fill the entire page up and losing the central idea.  Even before Laura's challenge from this week I felt the need to simplify some of my drawings.  I hope this has been a great weekend for you (for those that had these two days off as their weekend) and I'll do better tomorrow about getting my new tangle on early. 

I have been very inspired this week by Laura's challenge.  It has made me think about leaving some open spaces instead of filling every blank spot on the page.  Sometimes less is more - right?  We've all hear that and probably know it, but that doesn't stop us from being in the moment and going tangle wild!!  I've also been looking at some of my older drawings and am thinking about adding color to them.  Even though the color scares me a little, I've seen so much that I love, and I realize I won't get better at it until I actually do it (practice makes perfect - darn!).  So you might be seeing some color soon but remember it's all a work in process. 

Happy Weekend to you all!!!

What will it be???

Happy Friday to you all!!  This tangle turned out to be such a shock to me.  I started out with this as the letter E (can you see it??) but when I was doing my string, I got a little carried away.  Before I knew it (and turned it a couple of times) it started to look like a little animal with a cute little head, dainty little feet and somewhat of a large tail so I dubbed him a squirrel.  I think I like that better than the letter E but there's always time to do letters when I run out of other things.  I hope that you take the time to look at my pictures on flickr.  The flickr community is such a warm and welcoming group and they have been very encouraging as I work on my tangles.  If you have something that you're doing and you want a place to show it off, flickr is the place to go.  Have a fabulous weekend and stay safe!

WOW it's color!!

You know how when you see something that someone else does and you think to yourself, I can do that.  Well it's never that easy!!!  I have been so inspired by my fellow tanglers on flickr with all of the color they are adding to their tangles.  It is so inspiring that I thought I would give it a try.  I went to the store and bought some prisma pens and was so excited to get home and get started.  I decided to color a drawing that I had worked on off and on all day so I have to admit adding the color scared me a little.  I know you're officially only supposed to work on your tangle for 15 minutes or so to get the true zen from it, but I usually work on my for about and hour or so (admittedly much longer sometimes) but I enjoy it so much and I want my tangle to feel what I'm feeling so it takes longer than 15 minutes for me to get there.  I have to say that sometimes I don't even realize how much time I spend on them because I get totally lost when I'm working on them.  Maybe the longer I do it the faster I'll get, but either way it's fun.  Mr Thisorthat really liked the color but I'm still unsure.  I'm not sure the colors flow to reflect the drawing accurately and I also WAY overdid the ribbon!!  So I let me know what you think about the added color, I'm anxious to get your feedback. 

What do you think?

A couple of nights ago I was sitting with Mr. Thisorthat while he watched tv (I"m sure there was a race something going on).  I was trying to come up with something new to draw and then I saw it - the background of my  computer.  It made me wonder if I could duplicate the outline and still tangle the inside of it.  Well since I'm not sure if you have the same backgrounds on your computer I won't make you guess which one it is.  It's a picture of a canyon with the close up looking through the rocks.  If you have it on your computer you will have to tell me what you think.  After I finished with it, I don't really see the canyon anymore, but a bottle - sort of.  Anyway it was fun to try something different.  I think for now, I'll go back to the string and the "wing it" method that I've been used to. 

Week 9 Challenge

Every week there is a challenge over at http://iamthedivaczt.blogspot.com/.  This was the Challenge from last week.  The Divas' son had been in the hospital and she created a new pattern named after his online blog name, Artoo.  Sometimes when I sit down to draw I struggle with what to do and where to start.  The nice thing about the challenges is that it gives you some direction in a medium that has no structure (and we all know that I am a structure driven person).  I finished the week 10 Challenge yesterday (they come out every Monday) and I was going to make you wait until next week to see it, but I wanted to post it on the Divas' page so you get to see it right away too.  I still seem to have an inventory of unseen tangles that I made during Daytona weekend.  It's always nice to have a reason to sit down for a couple of hours and focus on not focusing.  wink wink!  Have a fabulous Tuesday and stay warm!!

Where did it go???

I actually had this one posted before I had a chance to shade it.  This is the shaded version.  Let me know if you can tell a difference. 

Last week we were having such great weather and this week - cold again!  I guess at least it's only cold and no snow covered streets like we've been used to.  I'm so glad the ground hog didn't see his shadow and Spring is right around the corner.  I spent most of the day yesterday on flickr looking at tangles and ideas of tangles.  I have been super busy making new drawings and I'm so excited to share with you.  I think because of that, I'll show you two of them today (mainly because I can't wait to post them for you to see).  I can't believe I never heard of Zentangles before Christmas and now I think about it everyday.  You would be amazed at the ideas you can get by just looking around your house.  There are textures everywhere that could be in a drawing someday.  You just never know.  I hope you enjoy!

Opening Day of NASCAR

For those of you who know me and my family, you know that Mr. Thisorthat is an avid die-hard NASCAR fan.  Today is the first race of this years season, the Daytona 500.  It's been 10 years since the death of Dale Earnhardt Sr. (which was a super hard day for Earnhardt fans) so I know today will be an emotional day.  That also means  there will be some drawing going on, so I'll have new stuff for you this week.  I'm so excited to get started on some new things.  I think I've finally figured out how the slide show thing works and why it's showing some of my pictures before I post them.   Now hopefully you'll be surprised when you see a new tangle I've posted.  Even though no one is making any comments on my posts, I'm telling myself that you are all reading and enjoying what I'm writing (that's a hint for you to leave me a message every now and then).  So although I'm wishing we were in Daytona today, have a wonderful day wherever you are!!

Long winded

After seeing how long my blog was yesterday I'm almost embarrassed!  Who would have thought I had so much to say???  Well with today being a beautiful Saturday, all I will say is I hope you enjoy todays tangle, and live today to the fullest!!

Little things can last a lifetime!

If you have never  gone to Jessica's blog (http://www.howsweeteats.com/) then you are missing out on so much!!  Yesterday she posted a recipe for Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Muffins.  Mr. Thisorthat doesn't care for muffins so I wasn't too sure about trying them.  Since Little Miss Thisorthat was here I thought it would give us something fun to do.  We made them up and sure enough they were fabulous!!!  You'll have to check the recipe out.  They were simple and tasted almost like cookies.  Even Mr. Thisorthat was surprised.  After they cooled off a bit Little Miss Thisorthat tried one she said, "Grandma these muffins are magic!!!"  Of course I had to ask why and she said, "because the chocolate chips turned into chocolate"!  Don't you just love the way children look at life????  Anyway if you get the chance to check out Jessica's blog I think you'll really enjoy it.  It's the only  cooking blog I follow and she's great!!

Now for today's tangle.  Since our Little Miss Thisorthat was here we decided to make animals.  I will totally admit that I do not draw (as you can see)!!  But when things are about simplicity for the sake of a child, you do what you can.  Besides no matter what I do she thinks I'm wonderful, which isn't that we all strive for???  I know that my grandma made me feel like I was her favorite grandchild and I know all six of us felt the same way.  She was a wonderful, wise, soft spoken, lady and I miss her so much.  Yesterday afternoon (before the muffins) Little Miss Thisorthat and I got out MY grandma's old jewelry (and some from my mom that she wore when I was a teenager and younger) and we got her all dolled up.  She had a wonderful time (we have pictures to prove it) but I had to make her take it off at bedtime, even though the two necklaces, the earrings, and the bracelet (which was a necklace we wrapped around her wrist a couple of times) looked fabulous with the unicorn jammies she had on.  This morning she was ready to show off pictures of herself with her new jewels.  Children are the greatest treasures we have and so often when we're in the middle of raising them, we forget.  It's not until after their grown and we reflect back that we see the wonderful treasures our children have been and the joy they have brought to our lives.   If you haven't, be sure you talk to your kids today and tell them that you love them.  Have a wonderful Friday.

It's a Spring like day!

Today is supposed to be the best weather day of the week.  Almost 70 degrees in FEBRUARY!!!!  The snow is almost gone (still ice on the ground because it's still freezing at night) but the sky's are blue, the sun is shining, and it's so great to open the windows and feel the outside air freshen up the stagnant air that's been cooped up all winter long.  Time to open things up and breathe again!!  I painted the trim part of the newly remodeled bathroom yesterday.  I was so excited to see the new color on the wall, but all I had time to do was the trim.  MAN there's a lot of trim in a bathroom!!!!  Hoping to work on it today but not sure since our little miss thisorthat is coming over.  She has a way of stealing the show.  Maybe a good day for the park!!!  I hope today you enjoy the sunshine, and take a step outside to take in a deep breath of fresh air and think of three things you're thankful for!  You are one of the things on MY list!

What a day!

Since it's the end of the day (and I should have had my blog updated much earlier) I just want to say I hope your day was a good one.  Be creative, rest your soul, and be the best you can be!!

It's MELTING!!!!!!

I think we've had snow and ice covering the ground (and everything else for that matter) since Christmas.  It seems like longer but I don't want to get over dramatic.  The past couple of days have been above freezing and they are even calling for 65 degrees tomorrow.  I'll wait until tomorrow before I get too excited.  But the point is that the white covered lawns, cars, rooftops, and yes even some Christmas ornaments are finally disappearing!!  Soon we'll be planting flowers again, mowing our lawns,  and walking outside without the fear of falling on the ice.  Even though everything has its time and season, it's always nice to see the changes happening.  Everything in life changes and regardless if we like it or not, we have to change with it.  We  can look at it like a rebirth and embrace it or kick and scream until we adjust (which is usually what I end up doing) .  Either way its going to happen.  Wherever you are in your life, and whatever place this finds you in, know that I finally get it and there's hope for all of us.  Lucky us to have one more day to enjoy whatever comes our way.  The doldrums of winter are leaving and the hope of spring is ahead.....

Happy V Day!!!

Happy Valentine's Day to you!!!!!  Today is the day that we are suppose to show our love to our friends and family.  It's always been a special day for me (and I got WAY to worked up) as I waited for Mr. Thisorthat to burst through the door with the big box of chocolates.  Sometimes he would bring them home after work and I would just light up.  Other times (after a couple of years of marriage), well, he didn't bring home anything.  Those were the times that, even though I was disappointed, I had to ask myself why I got so worked up over a box of candy (that I could buy myself anytime).  I KNEW Mr. Thisorthat loved me so what was the big deal?? (He says its the holiday invented by greeting card companies)  We have been through 30 Valentine's Days now and even though being thought of in a special or different way on February 14 is great, I know each and every day that I'm a lucky girl to have such a wonderful husband and I've been very blessed through the years.  I hope wherever you are in your relationships (with friends or family) that you know you are loved and you mean a lot to those around you.  Have a wonderful day today and even if the chocolate and flowers may not be in your future, there's more to the day than that - being with the people that you truly love!!  Happy Valentine's Day to all and you are loved everyday!!!

Happy Valentine's Day EVE!!

When my kids were little, somewhere along the line, we started telling each other "happy birthday eve".  I think it was because they were excited for their birthdays and it was our way of saying its only one more day.  As they got older it flowed into the other holidays, so it's become a regular occurrence around our house to wish each other happiness on the eve of holidays (and yes Valentine's Day is a holiday).  We are enjoying warmer weather and sunshine which as we've learned this winter, doesn't always happen together.  So whatever you do today, I hope you have a fabulous Valentine's Day Eve and remember you are being thought of today in a special way by me!!

Where does the time go???

I sat down this morning, about 9:00, and picked up my computer (instead of my drawing pad and pen) and thought I would get my blog done first thing this morning.  WELL, it's after 2:00 and I'm just now getting around tot it.  It seems like once I get working on my computer the clock speeds up and I get lost in the time warp!!  I asked the question on my FB the other day, why is it that time flys by when you're doing something you want and then drag when you're not.  The answer I got was, when you're doing something you want then time doesn't matter.  I guess that's really true.  Unfortunately there are things that eventually have to matter, like laundry, cleaning, cooking, you know stuff like that.  So today Mr. Thisorthat made a fabulous breakfast and is working on some remodeling stuff around the house, SO I guess that means that its time for things to start mattering to me too.  Enjoy the drawing and see you tomorrow!!

Ok side note:  It took me 40 minutes to upload this picture because it kept turning it!!  Geez!!!!

Even though Valentines Day is just around the corner, all I can think about is drawing hearts!!!  I've driven Mr. Thisorthat nuts looking at all my heart tangles.  He's always a good sport so I'm trying to post the last of my non-heart drawings and I think today is the last day.  Tomorrow you, along with everyone else who walks in my front door, will get to see the heart tangles I've been making.  Some I really like and others, well, not so much.  I'm still trying to find my style so I appreciate you bearing with me.  Your feedback would help me alot so if you have a few minutes let me know what you think. Please be brutally honest, I can take it.   Some drawings, like this one, start to look like someone threw up tangles all over it with no style or direction.  Maybe that's how they're suppose to look.....

Yay for today!

I got to watch my granddaughter at her swimming lessons and then had a great visit with my mom, neice, and nephews.  Joslyn had such a great time playing with Colt.  It was good to see them play together and be so silly with each other.  With such a busy day I didn't get to add to my blog until the day is almost over.  I hope whatever  it was you spent your time doing today, that it brought you joy.  Happy evening to you!!

We have sunshine!!

I was so glad to see the sunshine this morning!!  In honor of the (hope to be here soon) spring, I'm adding my touch of nicer weather today.  Be happy in all that you do!!  If there's no sunshine where you are, just picture it in your mind and enjoy the wonderful place you go!!

Something different

I was at the art supply store and saw this black paper so I bought it along with several white pens and pencils (which I never thought would be THAT difficult).  You would have thought that anything white would work perfectly on black, well not so much.  The chalk pen didn't show up, the paint sharpie pen just ran and bled.  The white and grey pencils were great for shading but I'm still looking for the perfect pen.  I hope you like the change in paper.  It's 8 degrees BELOW zero here today (and a wind chill of 32 below).  It's bad when the news is telling you what to do if you get frost bite, so wherever you are, STAY WARM!!!!

Where did the day go???

I really thought I would get this up for you this morning but the day just got away from me.  I actually spent the day with my wonderful granddaughter and couldn't tear myself away from her.  I guess some things just take priority.  Anyway I was feeling a little crazy last night (Quenton Teritino-ish my son says) and this was the outcome of my mood.  I hope you enjoy it.  Tomorrow I have something REALLY special for you so check back and see what I've been up to.

It's SUPERBOWL Sunday!!!

It's going to be a great Superbowl this year!  Whether you're a Steelers fan or a Packers fan, the whole excitement of the game is wonderful!  It's a day for friends and families to be together, to enjoy good food and lots of treats all the while as we wait anxiously for those fabulous Superbowl COMMERCIALS!!!!!!  I hope where ever you are,  whoever you're enjoying the game with, and whatever tasty treats you're devouring that this is the best Superbowl day for you!!

Saturday and gloomy!

Since today has been a very relaxing Saturday so far I'm going to upload a new drawing for you.  Unfortunately the cold and clouds are back again so it's looking like I'll be tangling alot today since it's too icky to be outside.  Hope you have a wonderful weekend and enjoy the people around you!!!

Happy Friday!!

I  can't believe this week has gone by so fast!!!  It's been a strange week with all the snow, the freezing cold temperatures, my birthday, catch up birthday meals, and seeing all the tangles I've made this week.  WOW!!!!  I guess when you set your mind to something you really can accomplish alot.  Maybe the daily mundane stuff (like cleaning bathrooms and laundry) will get done this weekend, maybe????  I made this tangle last night and I'm not sure I'm done with it but I wanted to share it before I made any changes to it.  Let me know what you think!!

Garden of Hearts

I had a great lunch out with my mom today.  I thought I would do some shopping while I was out, but then decided I would rather go home and DRAW!!!  I worked on this one this afternoon.  I have to admit I got very comfortable sitting in my chair while the sun shown through and I dozed off for a little nap.  When I woke up Mr. Thisandthat was home and I finished it up.  He's a great encourager for me and I love having him around when I'm drawing.  I will have to say he is my biggest fan and comes up with all sorts of new creative ideas to help me.  Way to go dude and thanks!!

Sunny is good!!

Even though it's still in the negative degrees today I'm so glad there will be some much needed sunshine!!!  When you live in the cold part of the country (which seems to be anywhere in the US this year) you come to expect the cold spells when they come.  Unfortunately that often comes with lots of clouds and little sunshine.  Today however is full of sunshine which will help all of us have a sunnier disposition.  Today's tangle is back to basics, which after looking at when I finished it, looks like I need some work on my basket weave - he he!  I guess that's what doing them daily is all about right???  Ok back to the drawing board (or book).  Have a fabulous Thursday!!

Today has been a good day

Wow what a day it has been!!  Actually the last two days have been wonderful.  Yesterday I relaxed and just played around the house (while staying inside where it was toasty warm).  Today after getting some cleaning done, I did some more drawings.  I have been so touched by fans on Flickr that have added some of my tangles to their favorites.  It's nice to know that people are enjoying what I'm doing (even though I'm not really sure what that is most of the time).  Here are two more drawings from yesterday and today.  They would have been up sooner but I had to charge the camera battery.  Always something!!! 

Today's my birthday!!!!

I decided this year to make cupcakes for myself and at the last minute (like this morning) I thought I should have a cake.  SO I got my pen out and drew one!  It's much less fattening and I think I probably enjoyed it more.  Now I have to go put the filling in my cupcakes then frost them.  I even bought purple and blue food dye so they would look "special".  We'll see how that works out!!  Anyway my goal for the days is to finish the cupcakes, turn on Eat Pray Love and tangle while it's snowing outside.  I know I'll have more to post before this day is over.  Happy February 1st!!!!