Monday, October 22, 2012

Truth, Dare, Double Dare

Wow! I tried something new today...

I am participating in a blog challenge! From what I understand these challenges are a pretty big deal in the art blog world. This one is really neat. It is called The Zendala Dare, and this week is number 28 in the series. I learned about it from a fellow CZT (Certified Zentangle® Teacher) graduate. I will admit, last night when I saw some of the artwork people posted, I was very intimidated. I started that AWFUL comparing thing and knew my work would never compare. But, as I was so kindly reminded, it's not about that. At all. It is never about that. IT is about the process and the process was really fun!

So here it is...


I'm especially excited about The Zendala Dare in particular because I am really drawn to mandalas. These little works of art pack a lot of power. To actually create one is quite remarkable, and is becoming a bit of an obsession. The meditative aspect of Zentangle in and of itself is so relaxing, but then to be making mandala, which can be used as a meditation tool, is like cruising into DSW and getting two pairs of awesome shoes for the price of one. Euphoria!

And, like most things I love, I want to share! So, I've been thinking that Heart Connected will feature a mandala each week on Mandala Monday! Fancy, huh? I experimented a little bit with the idea last Monday with this fall themed mandala on Facebook...


So, for Mandala Monday, I'd like to invite you to take a moment to really look into the mandala. Think about the seeds you planted throughout the year and ask yourself what growth needs pruning? Maybe, to make room for new growth. And, what needs to be nurtured so that it will continue to grow? And what isn't working at all? What can be pulled and recycled into the earth for the benefit of something or someone else? No judgment, just sit with these questions for a bit...

It is already October 22, 2012. I can't believe it! This year is flying by and I think I might still be tired from last year's holiday season. The stores are ramping up to do it all over again. I'm thinking a lot about what I've done in the past how that will change now that my kids are a little older, I'm a little wiser (and older), and life is a little shorter. I'm leaning toward keeping it all really simple this year. What is going to work for YOU? I wish you all the best as you pursue whatever it is!

If you want to participate in the Zendala Dare, click the Zendala Dare button on the right-hand side of my blog. The button will take you where you need to go. 

Take care! xoxo

14 comments:

  1. Anna, it looks great. Did a nice job on the shading and I like the way the outer border sets off the rest of the Zendala. I hope you go ahead and post this on The Bright Owl. You have no reason to be intimidated by anything that is posted on there. Keep it up.

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    1. Thank you Donald! I'm so happy you encouraged me to give it a try!

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  2. Well, this new Mandala is very pretty Anna. Love those sweet little hearts on the edges. I too am going the simple route for the holidays. I started that about 3 years ago and I have been able to truely enjoy the season. GRATS on your new blog series. It will be fun to follow your creations.

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  3. Your mandala is very pretty, Your shading is great. The centerpart really pops up. Your choice of tangle combinations is great :-)

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    1. Thank you so much! I really appreciate your feedback :)

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  4. This is beautiful! Welcome to the Zendala Dares - you'll be hooked, guaranteed! Erin posts such wonderful mandalas!

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    1. Thank you Steph! I'm looking forward to the next one!

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  5. Nice to meet you here Anna; I hope to see you more often. Your zendala is very pretty and please don't ever be intimidated by work of others. The beauty of zendala is that is is ABSOLUTELY no competition.
    I love all yhe words you speak on your blog.

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    1. Thank you Anne! It's nice to meet you too! I really appreciate your kind words.

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  6. Beautiful, beautiful! I love the placement of your tangles - 'specially the pearls around the center petals, and the tangles you've chosen. Queen's crown is beautiful not colored in (who'd have thought?).

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    1. Thank you Sue! I had never used Queen's crown before. I love it!!

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  7. What a great job for a newbie! Don't look at others work til you do your own and have it posted. Then you don't feel intimidated, and we get to see what you have done this week...lol Judging by this one, you have no worries.

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    1. Ah, good advice! Thank you for that. I appreciate your encouragement!

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