Black Squirrel Zentangle

I spent a couple of days up north at my sister's place on the Ausable river and saw so many cute little black squirrels that inspired this zentangle. They were so sweet and playful running among the dry leaves and twigs. They represent the perfect little fall animal.

It was so peaceful looking out over the river and seeing these busy little fellows play. I found out that black squirrels and grey squirrels can come from the same litter, interesting, no?

The two cats, Marlo and Little Bit were also fascinated by these little guys! Thank goodness they are speedy and large enough to intimidate these two kiddies.

Play with Lippitz and Jambalee

I was playing with the new listings on tangle.com; Jambalee, created by Pam Pincha-Wagener, and Limpitz, created by Jo Newsham. I love the fanciful little boxes of Jambalee that look like wonderful bits of confetti floating through the design. After being up north and enjoying our zentangle party I was re-inspired to try and create a tangle a day. It's a great way to center myself and get away from the chaos that is life and be a little more mindful and introspective. Breath...

A Fun Zentangle Fall Experience

I'm visiting my sister in northern michigan and had a wonderful zentangle class experience. I told the ladies I'd get this group picture up right away.

These are the finished tiles we created! These micron pen zentangle tiles were created during a day of tangling with new friends and old. Seven fabulous ladies using the same patterns with wonderfully different outcomes.

Fall Play Day

The new Betweed tangle pattern that Maria Thomas presents in the new zentangle® youtube video inspired this color play. I love the calligraphy pen she uses in the video!

I came across an art case that my mother had given to me about 25 years ago. It contains a watercolor sample set, some oil pastels, and 24 colored pencils. Over the years I dusted it, I moved it, I just didn't use it.  I decided to, finally, put it to good use. Seeing all the colorful posts on the flickr zentangle group inspired me to try a little color. Isn't it great that colored pencils don't expire, they still work after all these years!

Yesterday was a day of walking and tangling with a friend. We sat in her backyard enjoying the sun and fall colors sharing tangles and overlooking the beautiful fields and autumn landscape. The clear blue sky and the golden colors of fall were my inspiration. I wanted to keep it light and airy with a hint of summer breeze soon past!

Fall is in the air

Wednesday was the first day of fall and a full moon and the temp was 86 degrees, welcome to Michigan! It was a lovely evening. Nights that are warm and balmy make me appreciate the lovely, long days that summertime brings.

Saturday will be the autumn equinox and day and night will be equal. It speaks to me of balance and creating harmony in life. Living in Michigan allows me to appreciate the ever changing environment and colors of the seasons. I'm watching the leaves float by and it inspires my airy creation with the floating Ssss.

I'm trying to incorporate letters in my zentangles, so today is S! I've joined the flickr zentangle group which is a great place for inspiration. The little pods were inspired by Mariët Dronten's flickr post.

© Copyright, 2010, Daniele O'Brien Design

Tuesday Panic

Today was one of those days when I felt like the world is was against me. I went to go for a walk this morning, and as I grabbed for my ID realized my car keys were not in their designated area. I'd been working in the yard yesterday and was sure I had either thrown my keys into the leaf bags the city already picked up or ... knocked them into the garbage bag before I threw it out. Either way, I was sure I had thrown away my only set of car keys and fob! Panic does not make processing any easier, in fact, my brain shuts down and I can't think or see, I'm so busy running in circles!

Zentangling is the process of calming your mind and letting intuition flow... that's the path I finally took after checking out for a while. I went into my bedroom and calmly looked through the clothes I'd had on the day before, and miracle of miracles, my keys were in the old pants I'd put on yesterday to dig around in the garden. A moment of sanity and things become clearer. I called the dealership to get a replacement key made and sat down to do a zentangle.

What I learned from this experience... (1) I need a replacement backup key for my car, duh! and (2) be mindful and take the next right step. Panic gets you no where. Zentangling talks about being in the present and being mindful. Program talks about the same process, it is a gentle way to go through life and it works. Whether I'm mindful of where I put my keys or I'm aware of my daily path through life, it's all good. It's not always enjoyable, but it is living life to the fullest and being in the moment.

Lesson learned, at least for today! Zentangle - Breathe!

© Copyright, 2010, Daniele O'Brien Design

Zentangling Sunday morning

I'm continuing the zentangle process and looking for patterns in daily life. I like the simple shapes of everyday elements that lend themselves to the rhythms and shapes of zentangles. These elements create familiar rhythms in our environment.
This weekend was lovely, the leaves are still on the trees and the temperature was balmy but there was the element of fall in the air.
Here in Michigan there is a limited time to enjoy the each season, summer is so short and it makes us appreciate it all the more. Carpe Diem

Waiting for the fish to bite or waiting for wind to fly a kite. Or waiting around for Friday night or waiting perhaps for their Uncle Jake or a pot to boil or a better break or a string of pearls or a pair of pants or a wig with curls or another chance. Everyone is just waiting. ~Dr. Seuss

I was enjoying the sun, nature, and my eggs on Sunday morning. The salt shaker sitting on my table was just waiting to be drawn. Dr Seuss green eggs and ham came to mind, and a zentangle with salt, eggs, and leaves, oh my...

© Copyright, 2010, Daniele O'Brien Design