Zentangle grid

This is my first grid.  Just practicing with different dimensions, textures and patterns. 
 

Zentangle

Life has been quite busy lately!  Many responsibilities, here and there, but through it all, I have found time to Zentangle.  I LOVE "tangling"!  It is such a great stress reliever for me.  I supposed you could call it "glorified doodling"....which is exactly what I am....a doodler.  In my notes I always have sideline doodles, in the phone book, scrap papers, while talking on the phone, visiting with friends, etc.  I doodle.  So this art form is right up my alley....giving my doodles a purpose. 

The idea is to have a shape (or not) and create "enclosures" that then invite ANY pattern to fill it.  It can be planned or as spontaneous as you wish....I never plan ANY of my doodles.  They just flow.

So I will show you my first ones....  I have done many since so these seem a bit, well, unpracticed if there is such a thing??  There really is no wrong way to Zentangle.  It is so mindless yet productive.....well, productive for what?  Something.  :)  Perhaps cards someday....bookmarks.....letterhead....simple stress relief.....something. 

BTW, I am hooked so there will be MANY more tangles coming up!
 

 

 

 

Mushroom

 

This beauty was in the backyard early this fall.  I thought it was very cute.....only wishing I could find a ladybug to place on the top of it!

Wrap

A friend had this very old yarn that she wanted made up into a wrap or shawl. 
Not sure of the amount, I opted for a simple wrap with a 3-sided ruffle. 
I LOVE how it turned out and may need to make one for myself!
Fall is certainly making itself known!
 

 

Apple Dapple

This year, our Gravenstein apple tree out-did itself!  We have made gallons and gallons and gallons of absolutely delicious applesauce that is now nestled in the freezer for a long winter's nap as well in the fridge.  (I have eaten a LARGE amount....just can't help myself)


We spent one afternoon making and canning 19 quarts of apple pie filling.  Was a first for us.  While it wasn't real hard, there were several steps involved.   

 

I also made 3 apple dapple cakes (2 in bundt pans and 1 in muffin cups).  I LOVE the chunks of apple in every bite!  I also altered the ones I made into muffins, using all whole wheat flour instead of white and I REALLY like them!!!!


Today I made apple cinnamon rolls and an apple pastry braid, neither of which I took pics of.  Out of them all, I still love the applesauce best!  :)  YUM!!!!

Lately.....

Special Birthdays
Happy Birthday Mr. D & Mrs. A!
 

Rock Climbing
Great Job Mr. T, Mr. Z and Miss M!
 

Many hours at the pool
 

OSU Graduation
Michelle Obama was the guest speaker
Congratulations Ms. K!
 

Picnic/fountains at the park on a hot day
 

Newport Aquarium
 

Portland Zoo
 

Baby love.
Baby snuggles.
Baby bubbles.
Baby giggles.
 

Knight's Pond

 

 

Birthday....cowgirl style!

I got to help Miss M celebrate her 5th birthday! 
She wanted a cowgirl party!  Loads of fun!
This was the dessert table.....horseshoe cake with "barbed wire" (chocolate twizzlers).
 

The drinks....notice the very green cactus juice in the back. 
Also, these "glasses" were canning jars glued on candlesticks.  CLEVER idea!   

The "Grub pile" aka. food table.

Some of the food!

More food!

The birthday girl....turns 5!!! 
Sadly I didn't get a picture of her with her cowgirl hat and bandana. 

 

More Florida

I loved my time in Florida and can't believe I've been home 2 1/2 weeks already! 
Am now longing for a little of that Florida warmth!
One day we went on a boat ride to Shell Island, by way of the dolphins.......


.....another we went to Mexico Beach.....

.....then to Gulf World.

Special memories of cooking and baking with Miss M....

Coloring eggs and discovering them throughout the yard.....

And of course, one more trip to the beach before returning to OR!

 

Florida kiddos

Wonderful Florida adventure: 
Beautiful weather.
Lovely company.
Delicious new dishes.
Fabulous beach excursions.