Consistently Challenging #36

I am trying to be more consistent with my posts. I'm trying to form good blogging habits. So even if there is nothing current to talk about, I am sure I could find something.

Here is a zendala from last weeks challenge #36. As usual Erin did a great job with this one.
I also used tangles from the Diva's 100th challenge for the middle pieces; rock and roll and the fox trot designed by Marie Thomas. Not sure if I do them justice but they were a good to help me pass the time.

Challenge #37

There was no turkey to be found for Christmas lunch and that was okay.
The few Christmas songs on the "Christmas" playlist was set to repeat and that was okay.
The Christmas cake, sugar cookies and brownies that we baked on Christmas Eve were almost finished by evening fall and that was okay.
We watched Christmas movies all day. Some really good ones and some.....well, were just for enterainment. And that too was okay.
Speaking to our families half way across the world was more than okay. While everyone gathered for lunch we all chatted and made funny faces and talked about what was on the menu. The kids caught up with their cousins and it all seemed okay.

Saying good-bye was not okay.
One would think that being away from home for almost 5 years and missing Christmas lunches and gatherings, and the traditions it would all become easier as time went by but it hasn't.

In light of what is happening in the world today I count my blessings that many of our family and friends are just a phone call away. Many others don't have that privilege.

The zendala challenge this week was interesting and took me ages to make the first lines. But once the lines got flowing it was no stopping.

Thanks Erin for the challenge.

Christmas in the Middle East

Christmas is almost here, and I'm really missing home these days. The warm Caribbean sunshine, and the smell of Christmas in the air. Christmas does have a smell can anyone describe it? Random people passing wishing each other Seasons Greetings, makes it all worth it.

This is our second Christmas in Qatar and even though we have noticed a few more decorations in some stores this year, there is just enough for the expats to get by. So no complaining there. There are a few Christmas movies on cable and the rest we rent from itunes.

In a couple of days if not sooner the Caribbean families will be calling to find out our plans for Christmas, or if I made the Christmas cakes yet and if we need to skype so that one of the moms can talk me through the turkey preps. I can't find a turkey. But there are 4 days left so I will continue the search and HOPE. I've been to four supermarkets, there are two more to go.

I don't know if I'll be doing much art in the next few days. I will not only be looking for a turkey, but as the kids are now on holiday we will pass the time trying new things with food a little Christmas tradition we started since we have become expats.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE

Zinger Style

I got my cast off yesterday. yeahhhhhhh. But the doctor looked at me and said have you kept your foot elevated? I nodded but he knew I lied. The broken area was still swollen and blue. "I would like the cast to stay for one more week but there is not enough circulation so I will keep it off". With a promise to not walk much for another week, he sent me home with more pain killers and a bandage. Going to sleep with a cast on is like going to bed with winter boots on, so this time I need to be more obedient and keep my leg elevated. I don't ever want to see a cast again. Next week I can try to walk.

Here is another zentangle challenge that was give by the Diva some weeks ago. It was to use the "Zinger". I really like that one. It can be used for so many different things. I used Grey PITT Pens for the shading but I much prefer shading with a pencil.

Zendala Dare #34

It's hot and overcast in Doha today after being sunny and cold yesterday. It's called the change of season. There were two days last week when we were sprinkled with rain, the first significant rain since March. I suspect it won't rain again until March next year. But we welcome the clouds anyway.

This weeks challenge from The Bright Owl was interesting because I had no idea where to begin. Turned on the tv and began watching a movie. By the time the movie was finished, I brought out the pencils to do the shading. Oh the progress one can make when one does not over think things.

Zendala Dare #34

Hello December!!!! (and last weeks Challenge)

December is finally here. Cooler months follow, blue skies prevail, and the Christmas season is upon us. This will be our second Christmas here in the Middle East. Living in a country which is predominantly Muslim, there is not much Christmas "spirit". But within our family and the few friends we have, we make the best of it.

In the weeks to come I am sure I will have some sort of strange Christmas story which will be the highlight for us this year. Last year it was the tale of the Christmas Ham. I'll get to that in another post but in the meantime here is the Diva's Challenge and The Bright Owl's Zendala Dare from last week.

Zendala Dare #33

The Diva's Challenge for last week was to Zentangle without using a string. I have never been one for keeping the rules, so this one was not hard to do. I don't usually use strings when creating tiles. As a matter of a fact I just choose a random page in my journal to draw them in. But I promise to use a string next time.

No Strings Attached - Challenge #97