Today’s fun tangle Signalz is from California tangler Bev Ripps and it’s her first on the site.
Along with her tangle, Bev also shares her inspiring story of how her daily Zentangle® practice has helped her deal with the stress and chronic pain she experiences as a result of skeletal damage caused by multiple myeloma:
I live in Mill Valley, California which is located just north of San Francisco. I have been tangling for about a year. A friend said she was addicted [to Zentangle] and thought I would love it too. Well, she was right. Several classes (with Paula Egan, CZT), workbooks and Zentangle iterations, I am just hooked! A day without Zentangle rarely happens.
Around 3 1/2 years ago, I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a cancer of the plasma cells. There was a lot of skeletal damage and though in remission (YEA!!) I have a lot of chronic pain. Doing my Zentangles each day relieves stress and pain.
Most of my work is done in an anti-gravity chair, by sketch book or work held up by one hand or on a little board resting on my chest. REALLY?
The zen part is invaluable and the finished products, each so wonderful.
Remission has to be one of the most wonderful words in the dictionary. Thanks so much to Bev for sharing her story, and I’ve added this tangle to the STORIES tab too so Bev’s account can be easily located for future reference.
Signalz is an easy grid-based tangle and it looks great even if you decide to stop after Step 3, which I was very tempted to do – I find that white space so appealing. As Bev writes, “It reminded me of the pictures of old time radio signals or satellite signals.”
Bev illustrates the step-by-step instructions for drawing Signalz below and she shows a couple of variations to explore. After reading about the physical challenges Bev deals with to create her Zentangle art, it brings a whole new level of appreciation of the effort she’s put into her finished Zentangle.
Image copyright the artist and used with permission, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. You may use this image for your personal non-commercial reference only. Republishing or redistributing pattern deconstructions in any form is prohibited under law without express permission of the copyright owner. Click the image for an article explaining copyright in plain English.
Check out the tag bevr for more of Bev’s tangles on TanglePatterns.com.
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April 27, 2015 | 
More like this: 
I love this tangle! Thanks so much for sharing!! I can’t wait to use it!
I just start started tangling 4 months ago and I have to admit I am so addicted to all the different tangle patterns. I just finished tangling your signalz pattern in my sketchbook and every time I see it or use it I will remember the name means send a prayer signal to God for you. My brother and mother-in-law also had Multiple Myeloma. Thank you for sharing and inspiring us with your tangle pattern!!
What a powerful story and a great tangle! Thanks for sharing!
Hi Bev: What an inspiration!! Thank you for sharing your story with us. I’m fairly new to Zentangle too, but your dedication to it to help you deal with your situation is commendable — and look at what you create. I’m sure we can all find some time in each day of our lives to devote to working on our Zentangles. ‘Signalz’ is so much fun to do. I wish you all the very best!
Trish
I am Bev’s daughter and I am so proud of my mom. She started Zentangle as a way to relax while recovering from chemo treatments. She has become quite a pro at it! More importantly, she has shown those around her how to fight cancer, keep a positive attitude, and be a role model to those around her. I have the best mom!!!xxoo
Hi Bev. I too, have Multiple Myeloma. I was diagnosed 4 years ago, stage III, 80% of my plasma cells were affected. I had 2 stem cell transplants in 2011 (back to back). I am still in remission but having some issues. I am 66 years old and I feel very blessed to be considered a survivor. Of course I know it is temporary, but it’s good enough for me. I learned about Zentangle at Moffitt Cancer Center (where I am being treated), after my second transplant. In 2013, I became a CZT. Even though I never thought I would really teach it, I just felt the urge to do it. It was awesome and I am actually teaching it! Thank you for sharing your story. If you would like to communicate with me, I have my contact info on my blog. I would love to hear from you!
Blessings,
Barb B, CZT
I had some fun with this one when I alternated the way the “bow-ties” faced. I tried all the suggested variations but definitely preferred the aura or fan ones over the dots. Great fun!
Hi Bev, I just discovered your tangle today. I love it. I alternated squares when I did it. Triangle auras in one square, then radiating arcs in the next square. What fun. I too, will remember you in my prayers as I tangle these ‘signalz’. There is such wonderful healing to be found with Zentangle. I teach it to the ladies in my breast cancer support group. Blessings. Jill CZT12