Just Play!

"I was just playin'." That student phrase held a lot of power over my self-control when I was teaching middle school, since it was often a denial of any responsibility! 

But last week, I decided to experiment with image transfers, heat embossing, stamping, inks et al. No Zentangle. No drawing. So why am I sharing this in a blog about my Zentangle journey? Because it's all connected. First, my journal pages to illustrate what I did:

After playing "mad artist" for a while, and taking notes on my results, I really wanted to tangle something.

In his neverending generosity, Lar at one point asked what I had been up to in my studio, since I hadn't rushed him at the door with my usual, "Come see what I did today!" Knowing that I wasn't especially excited with my work, I quipped, "I was just playin'!" I went on to explain that I'd been exploring and experimenting this week and showed him the sketchbook. And in the end, I used the heat embossing to make cards for our Meals on Wheels clients this week.

"Fly with happy wings today."

When's the last time you gave yourself permission to "just play"?