Travel, Art, & a Diva Challenge

I just returned from an amazing trip to Portland, Maine! I feel so fortunate that I was able to attend a conference for Certified Zentangle Teachers called, Tangle University or Tangle U. I spent four VERY full days creating art, learning new techniques, spending time with artists that I admire, creating art, and creating art! It was a dream come true! I will post more art from Tangle U as I complete the projects in the next several weeks. 

The first piece of art I would like to share was created during Molly Hollibaugh's class. First off... I ADORE Molly! She is Maria's daughter, and she is AMAZING! I was really looking forward to her session. She. did. not. disappoint! It was wonderful to have a class that took us "back to the basics" of Zentangle. No Zentangle Inspired Art... just the pure method of Zentangle that satisfies and comforts my heart and soul. This is the piece I created, "My Journey."

"My Journey" created in Molly Hollibaugh's Class

One of the reasons this trip was SOOOO fantastic is that my husband joined me. We don't often have the opportunity for us to just go away together, so it's extremely special when we do have the chance. He worked in the hotel during the day and scouted out a restaurant for us to try at dinner each day. We had scrumptious food e.v.e.r.y. day! Lots of the dishes had something to do with lobster! While there I had Lobster Diablo (lobster, mussels, clams, squid, on pasta), lobster wontons, lobster roll, lobster bread pudding, lobster dim sum, lobster stew... I think you get the idea! Not one disappointing meal! We went to Street & Co., the Armory, Empire, Duckfat, Eventide, The Honey Paw... We had a great group of friends drive up from Boston and New Hampshire to join us for dinner one night. It was so nice of them to drive such a distance! We also met friends, Erin and John, at a wonderful restaurant in Kennebunk for lunch. Norm and I enjoyed exploring the area a bit and loved going to see the Portland Head Light. The coast is such a sight to see... I love it's rugged beauty. Here's some photos of our adventures in Portland and the surrounding area.

Now.... for the Diva's Weekly Challenge #266: "UMT - Crux by Henrike Bratz." I so enjoyed playing with the scale of this tangle! It reminded me of a lantern... so I had to add some light! It's called, "Illumination."

"Illumination" 

I have been working on converting my Zentangle® Audio Meditations from being hosted by Cincopa to Vimeo. This required reformatting and I have finally finished that!  I will be changing all the links during the next week. Once this is complete it will be time to create a new audio! YAY!!! 

I feel rejuvenated after the past week's adventures. I look forward to working on unfinished projects, planning classes, and practicing the mindfulness of Zentangle. 

Have a wonderful, art filled day!

Losing Time...

Oh my! Where did the month go?! 

I haven't taken the time to do my nails with fun Jamberry wraps in over a month! It was nice to take advantage of a rainy afternoon to spiffy them up. I used Butterfly Kisses, Faded Bouquet (retiring at the end of February), and Daydream in this combination. I LOVE it! I think it looks like a little taste of springtime.

Springtime Nails!

BREAKING NEWS and it's the best. news. EVER!!! Disney nail art now available at Jamberry! Check out all the AMAZINGLY MAGICAL designs here! 

I am very excited about a project I'll be completing this month for Kelly Barone, of Whimsy by Kelly. She is a Certified Zentangle® Teacher and the proprietor of Tangle Troves™. Tangle Troves is an AWESOME monthly delivery of Zentangle supplies and inspiration. I think it is so exciting to have a box of TREASURES show up in your mail each month. You will always be surprised and delighted by what she so thoughtfully assembles. SNEAK PREVIEW!!! I will be creating a Zentangle Audio Meditation specifically for  subscribers to enjoy. It will be included in the March Box.... So sign up now, if you haven't already, to get lots of great supplies AND have exclusive access to the Zentangle Audio Meditation. 

Last month a photo I submitted to the Facebook group, Zentangle: Tangled & Journaled, Too!, was selected as the header of the week. I am so honored and excited that it was chosen. This is how it looked...

My art as group header for the week!

I did start working on a mixed media piece this month... This is the stage it is currently at, waiting ever so patiently for me to get back to it! 

First few layers of papers/paint...

I can't believe how quickly February has passed. I have been overwhelmed this month with things that needed to be done... putting art on the back burner. I hope to be back on track and catch up during March! At least through all the busyness I have kept up with my daily tangle of the day in my journal. I look forward to taking the few minutes every morning to explore that day's tangle. Sometimes I only have time to follow the step out and other days I can explore variations. I am grateful for each moment. One of my favorite nail photos this month was from Valentine's Day. I had done my nails a few days earlier, and then on Valentine's Day my loving husband presented me with a famous blue box. It contained one of my favorite things... a beautiful PEN! I ADORE pens!  You have to appreciate how perfectly the pen matched my nails! I admired them both all day! (I may need to make a mental note to do this manicure every year to encourage more matching boxes filled with lovely items!)

Matching nails and pen! A perfect tangling combination!

I hope you have had a wonderful February and were more successful in your artistic endeavors than I have been this month! Looking forward to new adventures/art ahead! 

Family Fun & Celebrations

I have had a busy and very FUN last couple of weeks... 

AND FINALLY I have internet AGAIN! It has been a struggle to find out exactly why it wasn't working... Norm spent HOURS on the phone and repair men were here for HOURS. We thought it was fixed and then HOURS (may have been minutes!) later it was down again. The culprit was underground wiring which will be replaced tomorrow. They temporarily ran wiring from the main cable up the light pole out front to the house so that I can have internet tonight (yay... blog catchup!) and watch television! Yippee! I am hopeful that my weekly posts won't be delayed again once the repair is complete. 

Now for the catch up!

We went to our very first concert as a family! We made it an exciting road trip weekend to San Diego. 

Rooftop Bar at Hotel Indigo

We stayed downtown at the Hotel Indigo and enjoyed walking to and eating at lots of fantastic restaurants in the Gaslamp District.  

First shot together! 

After dinner we explored as we walked and were drawn into the Tequila Bar. Norm and Leila realized they had never had a shot together... So here is the documentation of the first Dad and Daughter shot. We decided that 28 years old was a good age to have this happen. 

Inspiration...

More inspiration!

While walking around I had to stop to take a couple of photos of things that caught my eye... I loved the patterning in both of these! I ESPECIALLY love the way the second photo shows the negative and positive light in the shadows. This is a great reference photo for me. I am looking forward to playing with this in a future piece.

Blowing steam into the hot room!

Lobby of this large studio

Our weekend trip happened during the first week of the newest yoga challenge at the studio I attend. This meant that I needed to find time and a studio to practice at while in San Diego. Luckily the Bikram Yoga San Diego studio was only four miles away from our hotel, making it very easy to get to. The studio is MUCH larger than the one I practice at. (The first photo shows only about a 1/3 of the room.) The instructor had to use a microphone. It was good for me to step outside of my comfort zone and practice at another studio, BUT I sure did miss the feel of a friendly community AND the super CLEAN smelling studio that is Bikram Yoga Agoura Hills! (Thank you, Rachel!)

Brunch at The Mission

My babies

We had such an enjoyable brunch at The Mission. I splurged on the fancy mocha drink (as did both girls)! I also tried their banana bread... it. was. SCRUMPTIOUS!!! 

Vertical succulent garden

I adore succulents and was in l-o-v-e when we walked past these beautiful garden installations after brunch.

Doing our tourist photo! 

Old Town San Diego was so much fun to wander around. We loved listening to the mariachi band, watching the dancers, and exploring all the little shops. I was so happy to find my newest studio angel... with the absolutely perfect message! I also bought some lovely little talavera bowls and plates. 

My adorable silly girls

The perfect find for my studio!

The concert was a lot of fun and VERY loud! You could feel it! (Luckily Leila provided me with some earplugs for Christmas that just "turned down the volume" while not diminishing the overall sound.)  

Opening band: 3Teeth 

Second band: Primus 

Main Event: Tool

Tool

Tool... again

Of course... I was a super fan of the visuals and lights! 

It has been so nice to have Cami home for the past month. She is always so much fun to be around and brings such joy to the house. It is hard to believe that the month is now ending and she heads back to school on Saturday. A month goes by quickly.

Isn't he adorable?!

Cami took this photo on one of the days she took Clark down to the park to play. He sure is going to miss his sister while she's gone again. 

Meeting Cami's boyfriend's family

We met Cami's boyfriend in "real" life (already had met and talked via FaceTime) and his lovely family. We had a wonderful brunch and spent the afternoon together. Cami and Zach went to Magic Mountain for her pre-birthday celebration. They had a BLAST riding all the rollercoasters. Norm and I made sure we had her traditional birthday party cookie cake waiting when they got home. As you can see... she was very happy!

NINETEEN!!!

I feel so blessed to have had nineteen years so far with this smart, funny, caring, gorgeous woman. I am looking forward to all the years ahead... watching her grow and experience life. 

MANY birthday celebrations!

My lovely daughters once again!

All the excursions and activities kept my art to a minimum the past couple of weeks... I have been keeping up with working on a new tangle a day though. Here is the calendar break down in my Hobonichi Journal. I am working on whatever the tangle of the day is as posted in the "Tangled & Journal, Too!" Facebook group. So far they have all been new to me tangles. I play around with the tangle a little on the actual date in the journal and then recap here in the monthly view. I like that at the end of the year I'll have a "key" of tangles. I can look at the monthly view and go to the date to see how I played around with the tangle. I supplement this with posting each step out in the app, Evernote. So far, I think that this system is working well for me. 

Next week I should be able to participate in some challenges and work on getting caught up on some of my art projects. YAY! My entertainment will be back at school (not so yay), it will be time to get back to work!

I'll leave you with this stunning sunrise photo that I took from the front door of the yoga studio... I LOVE early morning classes! Yoga with a sunrise bonus! 

Have a wonderful art filled week!

Deliberate Intention

I had a revelation during yoga on New Year's Day... I was lucky enough to be practicing next to Mark Reis, one of the wonderful teachers at our studio. I noticed his very deliberate, INTENTIONAL movements throughout class. He embodies strength AND grace. After class this came to my mind as I considered what word would be my inspiration for the year. I had considered "cultivate," but NOW I had a stronger, more deliberate word... INTENTION. I know that if I approach everything I do with INTENTION I will be able to complete anything I do in a more focused and mindful way.

Soooo.... it looks like Mark is inspiring me two days in a row! He taught class the next morning and during the savasanas read us part of a story. The book was titled, "Hope for the Flowers," about the adventures and life realizations of two caterpillars. He only read to chapter 4 during the brief savasanas, but wow, what an impact! Class seemed to fly by as he seamlessly read and guided us though practice. I left class imaging my practice as a metamorphosis of postures slowly progressing in the safe cocoon of the studio. How wonderful to think of that slow progress towards one day being a butterfly/better version of yourself. I sure hope Mark includes "story time" again in class one day. Beautiful!

The lovely story of the caterpillars reminded me of a tile I created a little while back... I pulled it out and worked on the finishing touches of shading. I had so much fun creating this organic tile that didn't have a fixed orientation... in true Zentangle fashion you can turn it and admire from any angle! (I created this tile at Sharla Hick's wonderful Dance of the Flowers, Zentangle Retreat in Big Bear.)

"Cornered Mooka"

The last couple of days we have had LOTS of rain! It has been several years (way too long!) since we have had a storm this size. It was wonderful to hear the rain falling... I had missed it! This morning the storm was moving out and the sky was  blue crystal... all freshly scrubbed with puffy cotton balls floating by. 

I took advantage of the nice rainy day to get my studio back into creating order! It had become a little messy during the last several weeks between preparation for the large workshop and then Christmas.  It is nice to have the new year ahead... and it feels wonderful to have all my paraphernalia back in it's place. This means it's time to get creating again! YAYYY!

I love my bright, cheery, ORGANIZED studio! 

The 60 day Bikram Challenge at the studio began this week! What an awesome way to start the new year! 

I hope that your start of the year has been inspiring and happy!

Endings and a New Beginning

Oh my... it is crazy how VERY quickly this year flew by. I am so grateful for all the blessings my family and I had throughout the year.  It was a wonderful year and I am excited about what is ahead in 2016! I have lots of plans/ideas/goals and am excited about working on them. So... what are a few of them?

PLANS, PLANS, and more PLANS!

• More Zentangle® Audio Meditations in 2016!!!! (What has been holding me up? I need to find a better way to host before I add more audios... It is costing me WAY too much money. So this will be one of the first things I will need to research.)

• Weekly Blog Post (It will be fun to see a weekly recap of art I've worked on and any adventures!)

• Challenge Participation (These will be recapped in the Weekly Blog Post. I LOVE participating in challenges... it inspires me to see outside my little box and to try something new.) 

• Yoga Practice (I have practiced Bikram Yoga since March 31, 2012. I have 919 under my belt... So I am excited to hit 1000(!), most likely by my 4 year anniversary date! On January 4th I will begin participation in a 60 day challenge that the studio is putting on. It is always fun to work towards a goal with others. I normally practice every day that I am in town and take a break if we are away for weekend or something... I will be challenged right away because we will be away for a few days during the time period. This means I'll have to practice in another studio. That will be another thing that makes me step outside my box!) 

• Be Mindful in ALL that I do (It is too easy to get lost in multi-tasking, etc. I want to step back... and enjoy the moment I am in... this will mean learning to limit easy distractions... like my phone, social media, etc.)

I think that's enough for now! I want to end this year's blog with a few pictures from an Introduction to Zentangle class I taught a few weeks ago to 27 BRILLIANT YouTube engineers! I had a blast preparing and teaching this seminar. It did add some crazy busyness at Christmas time, but I am so happy that I did it. I feel so fortunate and blessed to have the opportunity to share the beautiful mindful meditation of Zentangle with others. 

Name art created for each student.

I absolutely ADORE creating an "experience" at each class I teach. It makes me so happy to see my students enter the classroom and see that they each have lovely, personalized art just for them. It took me MANY days to finish all 27 pieces... it was a lot of work, BUT I had hours and hours of my own meditation and enjoyment in the process. I needed it! It had been awhile since I forced myself to sit at my art desk and create. 

The gorgeous sunrise the day of the workshop!

The morning of the workshop I took a little walk along the beach... This is the SPECTACULAR way the day began!

Entry to class!

Display of my art and supplies.

Name art for each student ready to be picked up!

Room set up... An easel at each seat to display art.

All set up and ready for students to arrive!

Yay! They're here...

... and more here ...

Time to add their tiles to the mosaic!

Finished art!

Inspiring art done by all!

A few things struck me as I taught this particular class... The engineers set their phones aside and were silent AND engrossed in the process as they drew each tangle. They were so excited to view their art next to all the other art created by their peers. They took so. many. pictures. :)  The moment that meant the most to me was when I heard one student say, "I really AM an artist," as he left at the end of the workshop. Mission. Accomplished. 

Once again... I am so grateful for this past year and I look forward to a fantastic year ahead. I wish you all a very happy, healthy, prosperous, AND art filled New Year!