Have tiles, will tangle...

Sometimes tangling is an activity of stolen moments and opportunity. Waiting for a doctor's appointment. In between the kids' soccer games and dance lessons. In the long line at the Department of Licensing (at least in Washington state). During intermission at the theatre. Before your staff meeting starts. Waiting for paint to dry...

So, what's a great way to travel with tiles? There's always a zip-lock bag, but I've got something better. A Go-Tangle! It's a pocket-sized plastic carrying case that comes with eight official 3.5 x 3.5 inch Zentangle® tiles. Add a Sakura Micron pen, and you are set, with your special artwork safely stowed to go.

In a purse. In a pocket. In a backpack. In the glove compartment of the car. Pick up a Go-Tangle and go! 

These little guys are $9 each (plus sales tax), and I've got 'em. Just zap me an email, and I'll see that you have what you need. Great for a stocking stuffer!

By the way...the holidays are coming

Want to avoid Black Friday crowds? Give the gift of Zentangle®! 

I'd be happy to help you with a gift certificate for a class for someone special to you.

Or maybe a group class for you and your family to share while you are spending the holidays together.

Or I can provide you with a relax-Zing "personal shopper" experience by picking out just the right tangling supplies, the official Zentangle kit, or some Zentangle-related gift items.

The options are (nearly) Zend-less. Zap me an email, and let me help you enjoy the holidays that much more.

Zentangle® and Serenity in Philly (without the cheesesteak)

Zentangle has been in the news again, this time in Philadelphia on Philly.com. When I read the article, I found myself smiling and saying, "Yes! Yes! That's it," yet again. There is so much more to the practice of Zentangle than just "doodling." This article does a pretty good job of summarizing, and I invite you to take a look.

Ya know? There's just something about tangling. I can't wait to grab my Sakura Micron pens and tiles and get back at it! Care to join me?

The joy of tangling together

This last weekend I taught a class to three enthusiastic ladies that was an absolute joy! It was a beginning class, and only two of the four of us knew each other before we came together. I jumped into my lesson plan and the tangling began. And in no time so did the laughter. I was so blessed to have this time with my students. 

As I have seen demonstrated so many times since I began my Zentangle® journey, tangling alone is wonderful, but tangling together is a synergistic burst of pure joy. I am filled with gratitude that I have the opportunity, as a CZT, to experience this so often with both students and other CZTs. Drop me an email, or leave me a comment, if you would like to learn more. Keep on tangling!

Right (side) on!

I've added several links and updates to the right side bar this evening. Browse away and let me know if there's something you'd like to see either on the sidebar or on the blog. Still considering this a beginner blog, but hope it inspires or informs you, and I'll continue adding as time and ideas permit.

Thanks for paying me a visit!

"East is east and West is west...

...and never the twain shall meet." So said Rudyard Kipling in "The Ballad of East and West." I'd have to say, "Not necessarily, other than geographically." What in the world am I talking about, you say?

It's come to my attention that there may be some concern or confusion about whether or not the practice of Zentangle® is some kind of Eastern religion and whether or not it is compatible with Western beliefs, in particular, Christianity. So I thought I'd share a few thoughts on that subject.

I see no conflict between the practice of Zentangle, which is a meditative art form, and my Judeo-Christian-based faith. Zentangle isn't Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu, Shinto, Muslim, or Christian, let alone Baptist, Lutheran, Presbyterian, or United Methodist. It's a wonderful exercise in mindfulness, which can be a real enhancement to your own particular prayer or meditation time. It isn't a form of worship. It isn't brainwashing. It isn't a cult. (Though in the interest of full disclosure, I should say it certainly can be habit-forming in the best possible way.)

I've recently learned of a woman who found that she could finally concentrate and remember her pastor's Sunday message well after it was over once she started mindfully tangling during the sermon. I think it's awesome that she was finally able to absorb the message, as she had longed to do. And she was thrilled to have found such a delightful tool to help her along her faith journey. Did God care that she was tangling in church? I don't think so. I believe God smiles on us as we learn and grow and experience the many joys which have been provided for us, including the meditative art form of Zentangle.

If you have concerns or questions about what Zentangle is, and ISN'T, or are uncomfortable about it in any way, please ask. I'd be happy to answer your questions.

By the way, I'll be helping with a Zentangle Christmas ornament craft table at our church's Advent Festival later this month...  Come tangle with us Sunday evening, November 25, at Bear Creek United Methodist Church on Avondale Road, in Woodinville, Washington.

Rev'd up to tangle

This afternoon I met up with 3 other Certified Zentangle® Teachers to trade ideas and talk shop. As always, I was struck by the enthusiasm that is like electricity in the air when I have the opportunity to get together with tanglers, whether teachers or students. One of the things I love about the Zentangle community is the positive energy, the supportive atmosphere, and the lightness of mood that abounds at these gatherings, small or large.

I am looking forward with anticipation to teaching the classes I have scheduled for this week because I know that we will have a great time sharing and learning together. And it just doesn't get any better than that!