Finally found it!

I have been so so busy the past couple of weeks that I haven't had much time to draw.  Since it was my January pledge to myself to post a tangle a day I have been struggling to keep that promise to myself.  I forgot that I had done this one Monday night and was panicking a little bit.  Now I guess I know what I'll be doing tonight!  :)  It might be hard since Little Miss Thisorthat will be here but she's always a great helper when it comes to ideas.  I hope you're having an awesome day are getting lots done.  I know I will be!!!

How do you do that?

While sitting in the waiting room at the doctors office, I was showing my mom and sister how easy it is to Zentangle and how relaxing it is. We were having fun with the drawing and my mom saw elephant feet (although it would be a strange looking elephant with 5 feet), she wanted me to draw a trunk and then we added a spray of water.  It was a fun time!   I was also tangling over the weekend at a friends house and she was surprised how I could tangle while watching tv and visiting.  I can remember my mom knitting in the evenings when I was a kid and could never understand how she could concentrate on that and everything else going on around her - now I know.  I guess no matter what form of relaxation you choose, when you get pleasure out of it then it doesn't take alot of effort.  The awesome thing is you have something totally unique and original when you're finished.  That's the cool part!! 

Somedays it feels like all we're doing is reaching for what's next and it can be exhausting!!!  Why is it that we're never just satisfied?  There are so many things we come across every day but for some reason we never feel like it's enough.  Why is that???  I'm sure it's partly human nature, but besides that, whats the deal???  I get reaching for new careers and planning your future and stuff like that, but what about the everyday things we beat ourselves up for?  Things like not sticking to our diet, or feeling like a failure because you made something for dinner that didn't turn out just like you thought it would (or made a carrot cake and forgot to put the baking soda in it) or even  letting something like not getting our hair to go right making us feel self conscience all day.  Why is it that we can't just enjoy what we have in the moments that we have them???  I wish I had the answer but it's definitely something to think about.  Let me know if you have any ideas.

Not the Challenge

Last week we used verdigogh as one of the patterns in our challenge.  I decided I really like this pattern so while I was away during the open house yesterday I thought I would give it another shot.  I still like it.  I hope today finds you doing something that puts a smile on your face!

Hide and Seek

This piece has patterns hiding behind patterns.  I like the look that the layers give off.  That's probably why I layer A LOT!!!!  I like the illusion of depth that it tricks your mind into thinking.  I've always been amazed how you can almost change the way your entire piece looks when you add some shading and some layers.  Sometimes it makes you feel like you can almost reach out and touch part of it.  It also allows for more patterns, which is never a bad thing!!  Today is ANOTHER busy day - so hopefully next week I'll have some time to relax and catch up on the things that I REALLY like to do and that's tangling and sharing!!!  Enjoy your my friends!!

Off We Go!

There are lots of things to get excited about!  Sometimes is a visit with a good friend, sometimes we get to go visit people we haven't seen in a long long time, and sometimes it's just looking forward to spending time with those you love the most!  I get to do that this weekend - spend time with those I love!  Mr. Thisorthat is a hard worker!!  His work is very physical work and yet he makes it look so easy - he is a master craftsman.  When he comes home he's exhausted and needs some  nap unwinding time before he feels like his "at home" self again.  This weekend we get to spend time working around the house together.  I know you're probably laughing about now (especially if you REALLY know me), but even though it might not sound like much fun (like a vacation or something like that would be), after 30 years together, I like just being with him and knowing he's close by!  I hope your weekend brings you the joy and happiness of what you like to do most in the world!!

Challenge 27 - Dex and Verdigogh

For some reason, I had a hard time getting the challenge piece done this week.  It could be because I've been painting (everything my brush could reach), cleaning (like a mad-woman), and generally sprucing up the house this week (and by the way am exhausted!), or because I don't think I've ever used these two patterns and I was a little intimidated (plus I didn't really have the time to look up the instructions on how to do them)!  After seeing so many beautiful pieces I just had to give it a try.  After staying up REALLY late last night  (or maybe I should say early this morning), I was able to finish AND color it.  I love my watercolor pencils!!!  They make everything look so pretty!!  Make today a lovely day for yourself!

New Pattern!! - Tuxedo

LeeAnn is one of the most awesome tanglers and is always coming up with new fabulous patterns.  She does magnificent work, adds outstanding color, and she is a great inspiration!  I wanted to try her new pattern because I tend to do simple patterns and this one was a little more complicated.  Not like, so hard you can't figure it out, but there are a few more steps used to get it to look right.  I'm still not sure it looks like it was supposed to, but it was a fun pattern to work on and I'm hoping to find time to do another piece with this pattern in it.  Time - where does it all go????  Hope you get everything done on YOUR to-do list today!!

Yikes!!!

I can't get my photo to upload today.  Must be Blogger acting up again.  I'll try again later.  So sorry!!

Walking Down the Streets

When you visit a new city, the best way to get the true feel of it is to walk around in it's downtown area.  We have tried to do this when visiting new places and it's amazing how much more you can enjoy it.  You miss so much by just driving by things.  We've been to Milwaukee most recently (which I fell in love with and I think I would move there in a heartbeat), and to Indianapolis which has a gorgeous fountain in their downtown, and an awesome night life (which I'm not usually a real fan of) once the sun goes down.  There are way too many beautiful cities to name but I would suggest the next time you're visiting a new city, you drive around the downtown area (to be sure it's safe) and then let your feet do the walking and enjoy the flavor that each different place has to offer.  You won't be disappointed!

Tiny-ness

I was sitting with my mom at the doctors' office not too long ago and I remembered I had my little sketchbook with me.  So I got busy right away - BUT I noticed the pen I had was HUGE for this little sketchbook.  When I got the page filled (which didn't take long) I was a little disappointed because it went so fast.  I think I'm going to have to change pens to something finer.  Anyway hope you like!

COLOR 2!!!

This is the second of the colored experiments that came from the same tangle.  Sorry to be so short but have lots going on today.  Hope you're enjoying the color!!

COLOR!!!!

I've been playing with color on previous tangles.  This is a portion of one I did last month.  Enjoy the color!!

Slipping and Sliding

Summer has all kinds of fun for kids.  I talked to my sister and she was buying a new slip and slide for her grandsons.  I remember slip and slide as being a hard landing with not much sliding.  Maybe I was doing it wrong - he! he!  We used to run through the sprinklers on hot summer days (we would get so excited about it) and even got to swim when our folks would take us to the community pool.  I don't remember the weather being really hot but it seems there was always water associated with summer.  That and the ice cream man!!!  I hope wherever you are there is great summer fun going on (even though I know it's really not summer yet)!

Piles of Party!

Sometimes parties are well planned and come together perfectly!  Sometimes they're well planned and nothing seems to go right!!  Then there are those rare gatherings that get thrown together at the last minute that end up being some of the best times you've ever had.  Those are the ones you talk about for a long time after and laugh about because everyone had the best time.  Everyone brings different things to a get together and that seems to be when the best times are had.  Expect to have a good time and it will be there waiting for you.  That's the lesson of the day.  :)

Challenge 26 - String Theory III

This challenge took me a couple extra days because I didn't really know where to start.  I drew the string on Monday and then looked at it until last night. Usually when I get stuck I search out ideas, but this week I decided not too look at any other challenge pieces before I started so my ideas wouldn't be influenced.  Sometimes if I look at other pieces for the challenge, whether I want to or not, I get so excited at all the different ideas that everyone comes up with that I get confused and I don't know which direction to go.  Then I'm afraid my piece will look like someone elses too.  So this time, if it does look like someone elses, it's by pure coincidence.  I guess every week really IS a challenge.

Inspired

Sometimes when I'm searching through different websites I see things that inspire me to do.  When I saw this piece on Maddy Moo's blogsite I got so excited that I had to try it.  I changed this a little (as you can see if you stop by her blog) but I liked the overall idea of part of it looking magnified (which hers wasn't).  So it goes to show you that no matter what you're doing, you can find inspiration anywhere!!

Old Favorite!

Sometimes instead of drawing a string to start with, I just make a shape and then add another then another.  Maybe that's how I end up with pieces that look similar to each other.  This is another one - obviously!  I love the roundness and the softness that seems to appear from these types of tangles.  They always look so inviting - almost like a big fluffy comforter or lots of pillows laying on top of each other.  There is something familiar that draws me to these.  Today is a good day to enjoy something familiar that is comforting to you. 

Birthdays are fun!

Yesterday was Mr. Thisorthat's birthday!  The house was full of kids (our grown ones but they're still kids), girlfriends, wives, our princess granddaughter, and a surprise out of town guest - my brother-in-law who is also hubbys very best friend in the world (next to me of course).  We spent the day at home except for the occasional trip to the store.  He wanted to have carrot cake so I used my moms long time favorite recipe.  Half-way through the baking process I had to call my mom and ask her why the cake wasn't rising and felt like oatmeal - then it dawned on me I FORGOT TO ADD THE BAKING SODA - who woulda thought (I guess I  just gave up that I usually open a box and add eggs and oil)!!!  So off to the store to buy more ingredients!!!!  It must have turned ok because Little Miss Thisorthat kept sticking her fingers in the frosting saying she LOVED it, but she didn't like carrots and she didn't want any cake.  When her piece was cut she changed her mind.  Of course I think anything is great covered with cream cheese frosting!!!   How can you go wrong there???  We had a wonderful day it's looking like another busy day today.  Enjoy your day and do something that brings you tons of joy!!!

Night at the drive in

So many times when we were kids our folks would take us to the drive in.  It was so much fun!!!  While sitting in line to go in we would look at all the other screens seeing what other shows were playing.  Then after finding the perfect spot (and one that had a working speaker) we would drag out the blankets and pile under them.  In the summer we would pile them high and sit on top of them.  Either way there was always blankets involved with going to the drive in show.  Those were good times and even got crazier as we got older.  Probably a good thing there aren't any more drive ins knowing how our society has changed.  Anyway I hope you get to enjoy making some great memories today!

Mix - Match

I  thought at first this looked like a mis-match of patterns but then I realized it was closer to a mix match instead.  Some different patterns just placed on a paper.  Not really telling a story but it was fun to do.  Sometimes you just have to go with the fun and not worry about the final layout.  Obviously that's what I'm going with today anyway.  :)   Enjoy the weather and the smiles of those you care about!!  Happy Friday!!

What's in a name?

Sometimes when I look at a piece the name just jumps right off the page - like it's so obvious what it is.  Other times (like today) I enjoy looking at it but I can't pinpoint a theme or it doesn't look like anything in particular.  So then I stare at it and try to come up with something creative to call it.  I must be out of creativity today because my mind is drawing blanks!!  So I guess I'll just say I hope you have an awesome day!!

Challenge 25 - Zendela Magic

When I first read about making a Zendela this week I was a little unsure of it.  Maybe I should be a little embarrassed, but I had never drawn (or filled in) a Zendela before.  I didn't know if there were rules to it, like do all of the spaces have to be the same or is there a theme to them?  So I had to check out Lauras' site to get some ideas that would answer my questions.  After ALL my research this is what I came up with.  I'm pleased with it since it's my first go at it.  It ended up being more interesting and fun than I thought it would be going into it.  Another perfect Challenge from Laura!!

Happy Graduation 2011!

This is the first year in a long time that we don't have or even know anyone who is graduating.  After all of the years we spent going to graduation parties and buying graduation cards and gifts - I have to admit that I'm a little sad.  I almost feel like we're missing out on a great excitement and a chance to help a young person celebrate their past accomplishments and watch as they take the next step - whatever that may be for them.  Even though WE may not be attending any graduations this year, I know that many of you are.  For those of you, I hope you enjoy the experience and consider yourself a lucky one who has been a part (whether big or small) of your graduates life.  Without those of us who cheer from the sidelines, our graduates would not be the people they are today.  Pat yourself on the back and hug your graduate!

The Gift of Internet Friends

I have been so fortunate (and blessed) to have all of my internet friends!!  These are people that I talk to on most days and share things about what's going on in my world and they share what's going on in theirs.  Some might think it a little strange because we have never met, but at the same time there is an odd closeness.  I'll admit that I'm 51 (but don't tell anyone) and over the past 10 years or so, I haven't been in a position to meet a lot of new people I would call my friends.  In the past six months I have more than made up for that!  My internet friends are warm and caring, as well as being encouraging and generous.  Plus most of them have the creative bug like I do which is what initially brought us together.  There are new patterns in this piece that were made by LeeAnn (ledenzer) and I just had to try them - so thanks LeeAnn for your creativeness and your willingness to share!!  Today might be the day you find a new friend, whether in person or some other way, so put yourself out there and don't let the opportunity pass you by - not only will you be missing out but someone else will be too!!

The Great Escape!

I had the help of Mr. Thisorthat while drawing this.  He likes to say "you should do this over there" or "if you do this it will look like a ...." and stuff like that.  Sometimes I listen to him and most other times I just look at him with that confused look on my face.  Then he just chuckles at me - he's great!  After I finished (with the added help) it looked like a lot of different exit stragies.  Then it hit me - when you're looking for "a way out" you can find all sorts of things to help you out.  Sometimes we use those as excuses instead - which is never good.  The excuses are a lot easier to find, especially when we really don't want to do what we know we should be doing anyway.  Remember, sometimes doing the right thing is harder than it looks.  Keep striving to reach your goals (you'll be SO glad you did) and enjoy your day!

Thoughts

Sometimes my mind is so full of things I want to do, that everything gets all jumbled together - which this tangle reminds me of.  One thought over another, over another, and then where do you start???  Of course there are priorities and those always seem float to the top (and sometimes are "accidentally" ignored overlooked), but the things that are deeper tend to be more the ones I want to explore - they are more adventurous and  certainly more fun!!  I hope on this first Saturday in June you enjoy the adventurous and fun things in your world!!

Capsules

Capsules come in all sorts of sizes for all sorts of uses.  Most often they are used in medication (and they aren't very fun) but sometimes there are fun things like space capsules.  Of course in space you could find all sorts of exciting things.  Since I have never been to space, I can only imagine what it might look like.  So in my mind, space looks a little crazy with all sorts of satellites, planets and stars floating around.  So when I finished this tangle, it made me think of outer space and some of the things that might be floating around up there.  Even if I only made it up in my mind, it made me chuckle a little.  I hope you find something that makes you chuckle a little today!

Shading Rules???



Sometimes when I get done with a piece I'm so excited to get started on the shading!!  It's like putting the frosting on the cake!!  Some people shade as they go - which I do sometimes, and others wait until they finish.  I usually like to look at the entire piece when I finish and try to get the feel of it.  For me, it makes a difference on my shading.  Other times I like how a pattern turns out and I can't wait to shade it and see how it looks completed.  I can't believe even with all of the tangles I make, I still get excited about them.   In case you have forgotten, I love, love, LOVE Zentangles!!  I don't think there's a right or wrong way (after all it's still Zentangling) but to be honest I haven't seen alot of dark shading on a lot of tangle tiles.  Of course I have to admit that I'm not a CZT and I haven't had any formal training so I really don't know what they teach you about shading (if anything) during the class.  I would love to take the class but circumstances won't allow it right now.  Maybe sometime down the road.  Hope you do something that YOU totally love, love, LOVE today!!

Initially

After doing these last two challenges with the focus on the strings, I thought I would use my initials as the string and see if was something I could work with.  Sometimes the strings get so crazy and the pieces are so small that I tend to focus on the small pieces and forget to look at the piece as a whole.  I'm pleased with how this piece turned out - even though it's not my most favorite work (there's always some that you like more than others) it was a fun challenge for myself.  Find joy in something you accomplish today - it truly will make your day!