Peace and well being

Was reading a blog from a friend, and she talked about the origins of putting on a 'live' Nativity, which her research found started in Assisi, Italy about 1223.  She also stated that in that city, many Italians have a lovely decorated tile above their doors with the words PACE E BENE on them, which means peace and goodness, or peace and well being.
I decided to try my own tile and then gave it as a gift to my aunt.

This box is one I've had hanging around for a few years, so tangled it and sent it as a gift to my daughter in AZ.

Here is my first attempt at a 9-tile ensemble. It's not hard to do, just a challenge to stay in the moment and have fun with it, and not worry about what the finished product will look like. One stroke at a time always results in something wonderful to look at!

As I was working on it at a vendor event, a gentleman was intrigued enough to take my photo and email it to me.  Having my tongue out is a given when I am engrossed in a project!

Another fund raising day

The venue at yesterday's fund-raising event afforded good visibility, so many people visited my table.  There were women of all ages, some moms and their teenage daughters, and even an artist who does watercolors.  Some men were interested as well, but none would sit and try their hand.  A delightful older gentleman named Richard said he had tried being creative with his hands and found he did much better with his camera.  We had a chat about photography and his travels and how he saw some palm trees in an area of southwest Ireland due to the weather it gets!

One young woman, named Alex, enjoyed learning one tangle so much, that I invited her to come back and I would show her more to finish her tile.  She is a natural artist (and writer as well, her mom told me), so I got permission to use her photo here.  She is delightful.

I have two more classes scheduled and will encourage those who signed up on my mailing list to come and have more fun.  :-) 

Orange delight

'Tis the season... for pumpkins and gourds, that is.  In my area the little orange ones seem to be more prolific than white, so here is one that I tangled one lunch break.  

 

Gratitude

It is a joy to share Zentangle with anyone and everyone, and to see a person's delight when they hold up their finished tile to appreciate.  I ask them, "when you came to class today, did you have any idea you would be able to complete a tile like the one you are holding, one stroke at a time, and have it look so awesome?"  They smile and say, "how cool!"

The classes I have had in the past few weeks are helping me remember our diversity of talent, and to acknowledge everyone's effort no matter what the outcome.  Comparison is nipped in the bud, with a reminder how boring it would be if each of our tiles looked the same, and that with practice, technique will improve and wonders will ensue.

I am grateful to my 'students' for giving me the opportunity to expand, continue learning, and have lots of fun with them.

Here are some of their efforts.  Next time I will include their smiling faces.