You may remember that our son, Sean, suffered a broken arm (among other injuries) in an accident over a year ago. Two surgeries weren't able to repair it correctly, so we finally found a third doctor in NYC who operated on him four weeks ago (he's doing extremely well as I write this -- we're hoping that the third time was the charm).
Needless to say, husband Fran and I had a looooong period of waiting at the hospital before, during, and after the surgery, so I brought lots of play things with me to occupy the time, including the book, "Zen Mandalas," by Suzanne McNeill; this is an exciting collection of Zentangle®-filled, circular designs by several talented artists, complete with guidelines for creating your own mandelas. Since they're basically round and divided into 5, 6, 8, or 12 equal segments, it's easier to design one if you have a compass, a protractor, and a ruler. I had brought exactly none of these with me, so I followed the suggestion given in the book: I made a snowflake.
I folded a piece of paper into eighths and made a few holes in the folds by tearing away the paper, since I also didn't have scissors. Then I traced the cut areas onto my art paper and used them as guidelines. I followed some of the examples in the book, and the mandala pictured at the top emerged.
Everything that has been said about Zentangles was true for me that day: I felt an amazing sense of well being; the process helped to both calm me and foster my creative spirit; and I experienced a much-needed feeling of timelessness. This was just what the doctor ordered.
Diane
Diane
11 comments:
Wow! That one's gorgeous. Wouldn't it make a spectacular quilt. . .
I agree with LynCC...your mandala is gorgeous. One of the prettiest I've seen. I hope your son's surgery produces the results you are all hoping for. This has been going on for far too long....for you, your family and your son. Take care. I miss you.
What a creative, constructive use of, what would have been worrisome, twelve hours! The OTHER Diane
I am so glad your son's surgery went well and that he will be good as new when he heals.
You spent the waiting time very well. Your zen mandala is beautiful.
Diane, that is so gorgeous!! So glad your son is doing well. Thanks for sharing. I'm going to have to try this sometime.
ooooooooooo I LOVE Mandalas!!! gonna have to give that a try.
Thrilled to hear that Sean is finally on the right road to recovery, I know it has been a long, hard, painful journey for him and of course it is SO tough for a Mother too!
So glad you have shared that update :-)
Diane, I absolutely love the mandala. Just beautiful! So glad to see you blogging again my bloggy friend. Perhaps we will have to meet in person one day. Have a great day and hopefully it will snow one of these days(can you even imagine wishing for snow). Deb
Hi, Diane. Lovely mandala. Of course, a quilter will think of numerous applications for such a design. Hope your son is doing well and thanks for stopping by.
best, nadia
Wow! Wow! This is absolutely gorgeous. I need to find out if I can take a compass thru security next month with I am flying and have 12 hours to kill! My guess is that they won't allow them, but it would be a great way to have some fun for a day. Hope your son, is going to be on the mend very soon. I know it's hard as a mom to see your kids in pain! They tug at the heart strings don't they? :-)
That is gorgeous Diane - I always love your drawings almost as much as I love your quilts! Excellent news that your son is doing well - you must be so relieved.
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