Upon learning that our WiVLA (Women in Visual & Literary Arts) meeting would feature a Zentangle teacher, I googled “zentangle” to learn more about it.
What I found was most interesting. On the website, zentangle.com, I read..
“Our Zentangle method is a way of creating beautiful images from repetitive patterns. It is fun and relaxing. Almost anyone can use it to create beautiful images. It increases focus and creativity, provides artistic satisfaction along with an increased sense of personal well being.”
Doesn’t that entice you?
I suggest you make a visit to zentangle.com. And enjoy the artwork while you’re there!
To see the creating of a Zentangle by one of the founders,
Last night Brian invited me to watch a video with him. WOW! What an inspirational story it told. And it was so touching.
I just watched it again and was just as moved by it as when I first saw it. Really love the music and lyrics, too!…Josh Groban singing accompanied by an orchestra!
This morning as I was exercising, I noticed that I had more energy than usual. And, of course, that’s a good thing! So I was very grateful for that. And I shared with Brian that I had more energy. When I told him that I was able to easily increase the number of pushups I did today, he asked…
Some months ago I noticed a new plant growing beside the cluster of plants by the patio outside of my office. I loved the leaves of this mystery plant and wondered what kind of plant it was.
Our Goldenrod
Then finally the plant grew golden yellow tops that look sort of like mini Christmas trees flocked in golden yellow. Now I was even more curious to know the identity of this plant.
And believe it or not, just days later, I got my answer. As I was reading the Houston, Texas newspaper, I spotted a picture with a couple of different types of plants.
The picture was in an article about gardening. Looking at the picture I was drawn to the plant in the background. “That looks like the plant growing by my patio!” I said to myself. I was excited! Underneath the picture the caption told me that the plant in the background was goldenrod.
I believe that motivational stories can help you, so let me tell you this one. It’s my own experience.
In case you don’t already know this from another story, I really love to sing…even in front of an audience! Since I don’t play a musical instrument, I’ve become quite accustomed to singing a capella, which means singing without musical accompaniment.
Lucky for me, I can stay on key through a whole song without music. My brother, Robert, a singer and musician, told me that not many people can do that. So I feel blessed with that gift!
When my daughter, Natalie, asked if I wanted to write a song and sing it at her wedding reception, I was thrilled. I began writing the song last year and completed it months ago. Then I began practicing singing it and also doing voice and breathing exercises daily.
I practiced over and over again…and then some more. And I only expected to be really good when I performed my song at her wedding. I never considered that I would do less than my best.
I also told myself in my twice daily affirmations that I am a successful singer. I had great expectations and positive thoughts….
Did all that practicing and positive thinking and affirmations pay off?
Here’s what happened…
Joyce Marie, mother-of-the-bride, singing at the wedding reception
When I sang at the wedding reception, in front of a band and before an audience of about 117 people, I wasn’t even nervous. Since it was a love song, I sang it looking at my husband, Brian. And I was singing with no musical accompaniment. So my voice was extra important. It was a challenging song requiring that my singing be exceptionally good.
After I sang my song, I received many uplifting compliments on my performance, as well as the song. My brother, Robert, said I was really brave.
It’s amazing how brave you can be when you really want to do something.
What is it that motivates you to be brave?
Do you have a dream of doing something that calls for courage?
How are you keeping that dream alive?
Do you cherish that dream and do things to make it happen?
With those questions in mind, check out these lyrics from my song, ‘Choose A Dream:’
