Challenge 24 - String Theory II

Even though this week the challenge was similar to last weeks, I always like trying to give dimension to straight pieces, so those are always fun challenges for me.  Sometimes it works out great and I'm really pleased and then there are other times when I scratch my head and think "what was I thinking when I did that?"  This piece as it turned has both elements in it.  I used to get upset when things didn't turn out like I thought they should, but I'm starting to have a more layed back attitude about it.  Maybe I'm finally getting the zen out of the Zentangle.  Today I hope you find some zen to help make it an awesome day!

Where's the vacation?

I must need a vacation really bad!!!  It seems like everywhere I turn I'm seeing vacation themed things.  I see vacation wear when I get dressed (probably because I've worn them on a trip before), I hear airplanes and wish I was on one going to some wonderful place, and now that last couple of drawings I've made make me think of some sort of vacation destination.  I have vacation on the brain!  This one looks like a floating island with a huge palm tree in the middle.  There are obstacles standing in front (like always) hiding all of the exciting things going on there, but you can only imagine (the sound of live calypso music being played, feeling the cool crystal clear turquoise ocean as you relax and play in it, laying under an umbrella listening to the water rush back and forth on the shore, enjoying a fruity drink with, of course, an umbrella in it, and there's so much more).  See I told you I need a vacation!!  Since today is our Memorial Day Holiday, I hope you can not only remember the sacrifice our soldiers (past, present, and future) have and will make for us, but make today a little bit of a vacation in your world - wherever you are!  Be safe and enjoy!!

Long Legs

I was watching television the other night and there was a guy singing - the first thing that came to mind (besides what a great voice he has) was my gosh he's got long legs (I know what you're thinking and that's not the case)!!!  When I drew my string it was a little out of proportion but it was a fun way to start.  I guess when they say to keep your eyes open because you can see patterns everywhere - they aren't kidding!!  Enjoy your Memorial Day Sunday!!

Smooth and Deep

No matter how hard I try to create angles in my pieces, I usually end up with nice rounded curves.  I don't know if my pen likes the flow of the curved lines when I'm making my strings or if in the back of my mind I like to fill rounded pieces better.  I like to think I can get more depth out of the curved pieces.  Shading has become something that I love playing with.  I am surprised at how different some pieces look after the shading has changed them and given them depth and dimension.  And to think it all comes from a flat surface.  Who would have thought???  I hope today you have a day full of dimension and depth - enjoy a fabulous Saturday!

New Things

This tangle has two new patterns in it.  The first is Spam (by Sandra Strait - Molossus who says Life Imitates Doodles) which is at the top and Chain Reaction (by LeeAnn - LeeAnn's Zentangleing Fun) and that's at the bottom.  This is another piece that I worked on during the MANY hours of computer clean up that is still ongoing.  It's fun to try new things and I'm not one that likes to practice much (too impatient) so when I try a new pattern it's usually the first time I've done it.  Sometimes I like the way they turn out and other times - well, they need more work.  With this being the Friday before Memorial Day Weekend I hope you get to try some new things out for your holiday weekend.  Just wing it like I do with my new patterns and you'll have a wonderful time - whether they turn out just like you want or maybe you should have planned a little more!  Either way enjoy and be safe!!

Antivirus Day

The last two days have been "antivirus day" for me.  As I told you before I am NOT a computer person but one of our laptops had an expired antivirus- simple fix right???  Not so much!!!!  We had changed to a different antivirus company (BIG mistake) and somehow it corrupted a file (a Microsoft file no less - and they are HARD to get ahold of) so we went back to the old company.  They were totally awesome and (lucky for me and not so lucky for them) when I bought the new program I also purchased the 24/7 support.  YAY - first time THAT'S paid off!!!  After spending six hours trying to fix it myself, I broke down and called them, then they spent three hours on the phone with me (thank goodness for speaker phones) and still couldn't get it right.  I had to call again yesterday morning and spent another almost three hours with them only to find out I had to contact Microsoft (to fix the corrupt file) and then call them back - whew!!!  It took the rest of the day yesterday (and I still never got ahold of them) so I'm getting ready to start on it again, but even though I'm still in the process, I'm getting some tangling done while I'm waiting.  WOO HOO!!  So be prepared and ALWAYS have your pen and paper handy!