 |
My newly discovered Driftwood Shelter! |
I've been a little overwhelmed lately by my mother's multiple medical appointments and haven't been doing anything in my sewing room. I've taken my knitting to waiting rooms, my beading to a friend's house for a day together, and have worked on a little 12 x 12 challenge. Not really finishing anything as successfully as I did in January, but the days are full and busy.
 |
Two socks on Two circular needles.....the plan to
have them match exactly isn't working! |
My caregiving shift seems to be from 9:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. with little breaks here and there throughout the day. By the time I sit down in the evening, I am tired and not feeling enough creative energy to work in my sewing room. But still feeling that I want to do
something that is a bit creative. Often my mind is caught up in the day's conversations and frustrations....the most difficult part of this new "career". Sometimes I knit and watch TV like the little old lady I can be at times, and sometimes I doodle.
BUT, I am lucky enough to know Donna, who has letters after her name. She is a CZT or Certified Zentangle Teacher. Try googling "zentangles" and you'll be amazed at this art form that doodling has become. Here's a link to the main site of the people who started this craze.
http://tanglepatterns.com/
When I feel the way I've described above, I sit in the evening and try a zentangle. In no time at all I am totally focused on the drawing and have forgotten anything else. I go to bed satisfied that I did a little something artistic and much more relaxed than I was when I sat down.

Another friend, Joan, travelled with me to Victoria to attend the doll club meeting. Just to stay in touch with everyone we do this three or four times a year. While in Victoria we did a bit of shopping and I have to thank Joan because she came up with the greatest idea. I had told her how I've been doing a bit of zentangling in the evenings. She also knows I take my dog for two hour walks to the beach a couple of times a week. She suggested we go to the art supply store, Opus,
http://opusartsupplies.com/locations/victoria and get an Art Bin, a small journal and a couple of pens to keep as a kit in my backpack, which I always take with me in case I find a good heart-shaped rock to bring home (I collect them).
We did purchase that little kit and today for the first time I went to the beach with it, and a little thermos of tea and a protein bar. Tuffy and I walked fast and furious to the end of the beach, collecting little items for inspiration, when lo and behold, there is a little shelter built of driftwood! I hunkered down in there, (it was drizzling rain) got out my kit and my tea, and while listening to the music of the waves crashing on the beach, I did a zentangle, sipped my tea, and just generally totally relaxed with my dog sleeping beside me. It was wonderful and I'll be doing that again.
 |
Beach Tidbits used as Inspiration |
And here's the results. Can you recognize the shape of the rock used as a template, the driftwood, feather shells and waves? This was a delightful exercise and such a peaceful way to spend some time on the beach. It took about 1/2 hour to draw, and then we walked back home to prepare dinner.....refreshed and smiling, and with a tired out dog! All in all a great day!