Falling apart...again

"If tacos can fall apart and still be amazing, so can you!"

This week, I tried to pull my focus back together. I don't know about you, but I usually go 3-4 weeks with "normal" productivity, and then I lose it for a week and start over again! Normal productivity includes getting outside, being active, eating right, talking to friends, taking care of my heart and brain--the things that are touted for us 60 somethings. After losing it for most of last week, I started over again this week, accepting that I am human, and batting .750 isn't too bad! (If you're not familiar with that baseball expression, it means getting something right 3 times out of 4.) Of course, I don't like the falling apart part, but, after hearing the quote above earlier this week, I had to laugh at myself. Life is not always enjoyed with a fork and knife. Sometimes you have to get messy!

I started and ended the week with this Blossom Wafuku lesson by Cat Kwan in our CZT AE 2023 masterclass.

I used washi tape for the upper ribbon.

I needed something simple, so tried a portfolio project from Pink Monarch Prints Etsy shop. Lots of fun.

I saw a cool idea for repurposing corrugated cardboard as a drawing surface. Right up my alley! I've always loved repurposing cereal and cracker boxes.

Lastly, a fall inspired Zendala with Lindy's Magical pigments.

Thanks for stopping by! Have an enchanting week!

Looking for peace

This past week has flooded our screens with horrific images of violence. I have 5 friends who were impacted by the terrorist strikes in Israel, and feelings of helplessness have dominated my days. I am grateful for the helpers, who organize evacuations, food, medical care, shelter.

The week before the world changed I had the great joy of visits from cousins. What a respite family can be. The day before their visits, my in-laws moved to another state. The loss was somewhat softened by the cousins' visits, and by a FaceTime visit yesterday where we toured the new digs.

Here's a  group shot of my work from the past 2 weeks:

Difficulty focusing on creating led me to several video lessons: Botangle, on YouTube, featuring the acorn-like Annie Oakley; Printers' Marks lesson by Eni Oken; Into the Tangle, a CZT AE 2023* lesson by Susan Yeo; and my first "Junk Journal" lesson by Pink Monarch Prints. (I think I'm hooked.) I am grateful to all these skilled instructors for the respite and beautiful marks they offered me! Also, to Eni Oken, again for teaching me how to make the faux botanical print papers with leaves. 

I'll use this for my cards for Meals on Wheels clients.

Another faux botanical print paper

Into the Tangle class. I really wanted color, but stayed with the instructions for the tile...

Until ...

I went rogue!

My Junk Journal. It has a pumpkin/fall theme. I first thought I'd give it to a friend, but decided to use it myself and see what I think. (So many of my friends are serious journalers! This would be too small for them!) It has 20 pages and several pockets with tags that can also be used for writing and storing little souvenirs. I thought it would be a great travel journal. I also thought about giving it as a fidget purse for a friend with Alzheimers. Any suggestions?

May you find peace and joy in your art, in your family and friends.

If you know of anyone in Israel who is seeking to evacuate to the US, I highly recommend Save Our Allies. My neighbors work with them. They are highly responsive and effective. Their website: www.saveourallies.org.

*CZT AE 2023:  A master class for Certified Zentangle Teachers all over the world.

My "September Song"

September has passed. Read that again!

As I reflected on the past month and planned for the new one, I saw how fulfilling and nourishing it was. A visit to my South Carolina family highlighted it all. My 64th birthday delighted me. Oral surgery slowed me down. Car issues kept me on my toes. My in-laws' imminent move to Tennessee reminded me of the constant nature of change. Keeping up with my art practice took second place most days, although I managed to pursue my study of botanical drawing through a lovely book Lar gifted me. All in all, a splendid month.

As I failed to post anything from week to week, I started to question my purpose for blogging. A friend and fellow blogger and I lamented together about the future of blogs. Were they still useful? My "mission" for this blog was to share my journey in joy. (The blogging process inspires me to make more art.) In my last post, I shared a crazy quilt of pictures from my journey: botanical drawings, collage, Zentangle pieces. Do readers want to see Zentangle art alone? If you have any thoughts on this, I'd love to hear from you.

In the meantime, my journey in joy goes on. I'll continue to share my creative process, drawing, tangling, collaging and whatever else pops up, as long as I find joy and fulfillment here. (I can't imagine how you will find it if I'm not!)

Botanical Drawings, from "Botanicals by Whimsy by Kelly" group on Facebook:

Medley Classes. This is a course offered by Whimsy by Kelly. We learn botanical drawing and combine it with Zentangle.

CZT Artifex Eruditio 2023. A masterclass for Certified Zentangle Teachers offered by 7F5R Studio in Singapore with teachers and students from the world over.

My stuff.

Stamping with leaves

I hope you found something to bring an instant of joy/bliss/ happiness and wish you well!

Until next time!