Grab a coffee for today’s adventure … š
Today’s news from The New York Times is that the northeast seaboard of the USA is bracing for a ” ‘potentially crippling winter storm’ that could dump two feet or more of snow on the mid-Atlantic region beginning Friday afternoon … millions of people along the East Coast are bracing for a weekend of travel disruptions and possible power losses. ”
And from Fort Lauderdale’s Sun-Sentinel, “The blizzard menacing the Eastern United States could rank near the top 10 to ever hit the region, according to the National Weather Service.”
Oh boy. This satellite imagery of the storm was taken yesterday as the storm moves to the east.
NOAA’s GOES-West satellite imagery from Jan. 21 at 1500 UTC (10 a.m. EST) shows the large winter storm over near the Gulf coast and another storm approaching the Pacific coast.
Credits: NASA/NOAA GOES Project.
Click image to visit NASA site where you can view this amazing image full size (Update #2), and many other beautiful images.
Looks like a great time to be in Mexico.
While exploring around the NASA site I couldn’t help but notice this headline about the Solar Dynamic Observatory’s recent images of magnetically active regions on the sun, “NASAās SDO Sees Tangled Connections” !!Ā If you click the image below you can watch a wonderful video from which this still image was taken to “see how the magnetic field lines are constantly connecting, breaking apart, and reconnecting among the several active regions ā a robust illustration of how our dynamic sun is constantly on the move.”
A nice warm contrast to the photo above, and indeed stunningly beautiful tangled images of our Sun.
“NASA’s Solar Dynamic Observatory, or SDO, show magnetically active regions on the sun on Jan. 8-9, 2016. When such regions are close-set, magnetic field lines create a tangle of arches snaking through the solar atmosphere.” Click the image to visit the page and watch the video.
While we don’t wish troubles on anyone this does sound like the perfect time to cozy up in some warm comfy clothes with a hot beverage, get out the ZentangleĀ® supplies and tangle any worries away.
With this in mind I thought today would be a perfect time to revisit the Zentangle-related advice of Tangle Refresher 84 …
“In the ZentangleĀ® Method we often refer to the phrase “Anything is possible, one stroke at a time.ā¢”
Through the Zentangle Method many people who thought “I’m not an artist,” are surprised, delighted and sometimes overwhelmed to discover they are, “One stroke at a time.”
This singular focus on each stroke is part of the deliberate process of the Zentangle Method of mindfully creating unplanned, abstract art. Mindfully … creating … unplanned … abstract … art.
In their classes CZTs will frequently encourage you to draw each and every stroke deliberately, taking time to savor and appreciate each delicate line of ink on the tile. Slowing down and focusing on each stroke is part of the “process” in the artistic meditation aspects of the Zentangle art form.
Among its many pleasurable benefits, there is another very good reason for slowing down as you draw.
In The Book of Zentangle, Rick and Maria write: “Give yourself more time to draw each stroke. The fine motor skills you use for typing or texting are different from the ones you use to draw. Let your muscles get used to drawing.”
In the relentless (dare I say mindless?) rush of our electronic world, it seems we need to be reminded to give ourselves time. Time to disconnect. To be still. To be quiet. To enjoy solitude. To be deliberate in our thoughts and actions. To be deliberate one stroke at a time.
And to be ever so grateful for this wonderful journey.”
Stay safe, my friends.
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The Tangle Refresher series, aka Buried Treasure, spotlights hidden tangle gems from the past. It can remind you of tangles you might not have used for a while or introduce you to some you havenāt come across yet.
Here are five more tangle pattern gems and a Tangle Refresher from a year (or two) ago for your tangling pleasure. Remember to check out the “More Good Stuff” links below too.
BTW as you enjoy these tangles please do leave a comment of thanks and encouragement to show the artists you appreciate them for sharing their creativity for you to enjoy. And please share a link to your favorite tangles with your followers on all your social media.
Zenful tangling!
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Paradox |
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Gnarly |
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Podz |
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YNY |
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Reflections |
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Tangle Refresher 92 |
More good stuff …
- ZentangleĀ® and Gelliā¢ printing with foam stamps
- Tangle Your Name ā when youāre stalled with where to begin a ZentangleĀ®, this is a great jump-starter
- New to ZentangleĀ®? The Official Zentangle Kit has everything you need to get started, including a great DVD tutorial by Zentangle co-founder Maria Thomas.
- Everything you need to know about creating Zentangle-Inspired Art or Products
- Free Interweave eBook – Know Your Rights: Copyright 101 for crafters and artists
- Tangle Pattern Refreshers ā the entire Buried Treasure series.
- Find more tutorials on TanglePatterns by visiting the TUTORIALS tab on the pink alphabetic menu bar
- Find a CZT near you ā the link to the list of Certified Zentangle Teachers is located in the left sidebar of the site under the heading SOURCE WEBSITES.
- Interested in becoming a Certified Zentangle Teacher (CZTĀ®)? Here’s more information.
- Linda’s List of Zentangle-original tangles ā THE tangles to learn first if you’re new to Zentangle.
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Enhance your Zentangle experience while supporting TanglePatterns: |
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BRAND NEW!! TanglePatterns.com TANGLE GUIDE, 2025 Edition |
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The 14th Edition of the TanglePatterns.com TANGLE GUIDE is an instant-download 117-page interactive digital eBook/PDF containing over 2,000 tangles on the site from May 2010 through December 31, 2024. It's a great resource and a must-have digital tool for using the site. Visit the STORE > E-BOOKS page and help keep TanglePatterns.com going by getting your copy now! |
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"Linda, Thank you! I was relying on too few and getting stuck after 3 years of daily working with Zentangle. This has inspired me to ābegin againā with renewed excitement." ~ Barbara R. |
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| See the BOOK REVIEWS page for more details on its features and view a sample page. Note: this is a digital product you download immediately when you place your order, nothing will be physically mailed to you. | |
| If you're new to ZentangleĀ® and tangling, my TanglePatterns.com BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO ZENTANGLE is just what you need to get started. Also available en FranƧais and en EspaƱol. | |
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This is the only Zentangle book you'll ever need: the fabulous Zentangle PRIMER Vol 1. It's your CZT-in-a-book by the founders of ZentangleĀ®. Visit the STORE tab on the top menu bar or click on the image. For more about the content and to read the rave reviews, visit the BOOK REVIEWS tab. |
| Now available in KINDLE format for $9.99. Spanish Edition here. Japanese Edition here. | |
| "Absolutely the best Zentangle Book yet! As an accomplished artist I used to think I did not need instruction on this art form. How wrong I was! My tangling improved by leaps and bounds after reading this book. If you think you have Zentangle down then you need this book more than ever!" ~ Kris H | |
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January 22, 2016 | 
More like this: 
Wow, what a wonderful sun photo! The video and the other sun photos on that page are amazing. Thanks for sharing Linda and thanks for the Zentangle tutorial too. I have to remind myself to slow down and to breathe.
Stay safe inside your home Linda, that storm looks awesomely scary and extremely COLD as well ! We saw on TV here in Townsville that it was “lurking” and due to hit the East coast, so Tanglers under its heavy black clouds all stay safe !