Zentangle, Reflecting & Relaxing

When I was caring for my mother full time; I was always looking for activities that she would enjoy and that she could do. I also looked for ways to let go of the stress. I recently found some sites that are caled Zentangle or Zentangle influenced art. It is doodles taken to an art form.

You can google Zentangle and watch videos as well as go to the website for Zentangle http://zentangle.com and read back issues of their newsletter. The image on my blog was my 2nd Zentangle. I enjoyed playing with Zentangle and it helped me center and it felt very satisfying.

Anyone can do this; the developers have used this art form with elementary students. I really think individuals in early to moderate stages of dementia would enjoy this activity. I bought a package of micron pens $10.00 and 2 chipboard tiles (scrap booking supplies) $2.50. Then looked at the newsletters and other peoples Zentangle for doodle patterns. If you click on my Zentangle it will enlarge so you can see the pieces better.

Wishing everyone a Happy Valentines Day and relaxation.

The Earthquakes that Shake Our World

Haiti has been much on my mind, a very horrific disaster. I’m glad people are reaching out to help the people whose lives have been shattered by the earthquakes in Haiti.

Disasters come in all sizes to all people. We are shaken and broken by the earthquakes in our own lives. The epicenter of our earthquake may be a doctor’s diagnosis. Sometimes, the diagnosis is simply the aftershock.

Looking for a safe haven and seeking treatment sometimes is beyond our ability when we are suffering from shock, denial, or anger. When faced with a devastating prognosis our lives are emotionally savaged. Picking up the pieces, looking for solutions, treatment, and the financial reality can be an overwhelming process. Finding support becomes a necessary first step.

Many disasters are not widely reported, like the ice storm that devastated the Cheyenne River Reservation (January 20-28, 2010). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgWTWHnvw24 Or the more personal disasters- like Cancer, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s - that strike our world. These diseases don’t just affect the person who has the disease - they impact family and friends as well.

The American Cancer Society chose the daffodil as a symbol of hope. They launch the Daffodil Campaign every spring. The daffodil was chosen because this first flower of spring represents hope, a hope held by every volunteer that a cure will soon be within our reach.

I believe people who have been touched by illness or disease, personal pain and loss – are often the first to reach out a helping hand. They know what it is like to be facing worries and concerns that loom like the Grand Canyon in our minds. They remember the kindness of an encouraging word, a smile, and symbols of hope. Their faith strengthens are ability to cope as the ground shifts beneath our feet and brings the world we know down around our ears.

Research is an outward manifestation in our belief that a cure is possible. Change meets today when we celebrate our own victories, while we search for tomorrow’s cure.

Help fight Alzheimer's disease through vital research and essential support programs and services. http://www.alz.org/index.asp

For more information or to find a Daffodil Days campaign near you, click on your state in the map you will find on the following address:
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/PAR/PAR_4_Daffodil_Days.asp