Show and Tell

 

Am back. Was given the opportunity to take a brief vacation. Traveled back to the city where I lived for almost forty years. It’s been two years since I moved from there. And yes, a great deal has changed, yet much remains the same. The best part? There were many of them. One of the first that comes to mind is the fact that I did the driving. Whew! It has been way too long.

I stayed with a friend and the first morning I took her to work and had the car for several hours. It was confusing. The trip came about spontaneously and very quickly. As I drove through my old home town, I felt as though I were caught in some sort of warp. I had to keep reminding myself that I was here, not there, and then try to figure out how to get from point A to point B. The two cities are very similar with many of the same or similar street names, so I ended up doing a lot of backtracking.

I did get to see most of the people I wanted to see and one particular individual that I had not seen face to face for twelve years. Was a bit nervous about that, but the moment we connected it was like the twelve years vanished and we talked none stop for several hours while revisiting a few old haunts from former days. That was great and deeply soul satisfying.

Also had a brief visit with my youngest daughter and granddaughters. That was more normal feeling than most of the rest of the visit. Familiar and comfortable all at the same time. Lots of talk, hugs, laughter, and even giggling.

I was able to get together with the writing group that got started in the classes I used to teach. They are going strong and had just completed a rather daunting project and allowed me to celebrate with them. It was really good to see how vital that circle has become and how much it has continued to flourish. Felt a bit like watching a ping-pong tournament. At least three conversations going on at all times amidst teasing and laughter. I was decidedly exhausted after that one.

While at my friend’s home, I had the opportunity to explore a new (for me) type of Mandala. It is done in what is called Zentangle style, which is completely free form and wholly impulsive. It is made up of repetitive patterns chosen by the artist as the circle is filled. If you are interested in knowing more, visit http://www.zentangle.com/about-what-is–1.php
I am only a beginner and still in the process of exploring and discovering, so my explanation would not be a very complete one.

However, I do have some images to share. I did the first Zendala yesterday, and although it doesn’t completely conform to Zentangle style (the intersecting circles are not free form, they were traced from the circumference of a water glass), the style itself promotes crossing boundaries and creating whatever pleases ones fancy.

Intersection

 

Here are two more, squeezed onto the same page. I really do need a smaller sketch book. Because the patterns are made up as they are created, a full sized page can be a bit daunting with all of that white empty space.

Twofers

 

Needless to say, I brought a great deal more home than I had taken. Some delightful memories, lots of echoing laughter, new creative ideas, a brand new Pendleton jacket, and a very satisfied soul. Not bad for an impromptu outing.

The day after my return, I also got some new pieces of furniture, including a new (to me) computer desk. Which means I will be about the business of digging this current one out from under the mountain of paper and paraphernalia it is buried under. At the very least, the trip did energize me and I may even get the task done somewhere in the coming months. I think you may already have guessed what I’ll be doing during my break times.

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