Oh these things are soooo addictive. And, I’ve gotten the kids hooked on them too. Rather happy about that actually.

If you haven’t heard about Zentangles, check here (the official website) and here (a list of links to dozens of zentangles… official or not).

The most amazing part of this method is how you end up with something so complex by starting with simple repeating patterns. They almost draw themselves. The only thing I really planned about this one is the heart shape. The rest just… happened after I learned a few tangles.

Some of this is not tangles… the lattice and the vine in the lower right and bottom. And some of it… I just made up as I went.

For the lace I kinda used, Laced. Behind that “lace” is Hollibaugh. The third one I used (in the lower right portion of the heart shape is Betweed (youtube link). Love that one! The rest is pulled from things I saw or have done before. The ivy is from some medieval illumination work.

You can find all sorts of free patterns online. I’ve made a Pinterest board for these if you want an easy place to start.

The hardest part of these… let it happen. Don’t over plan it. Let go of perfection.

Oh! Almost forgot. This is the tangle that inspired me!

Okay, play-time is over! Fast-forward to now. Zoooooooom!

Denim book charm made from polymer clay

Boyo has joined the adult class now which I think is über cool. The “cost” of this additional training is to help in the lower classes. Another über cool thing.

But that’s not really what I want to focus on here… what does MOM need to work on this week… what is on my karate “bench”… based on what we did in class, what can I focus on? Because the next test is in April and maybe, just maybe… I’LL test this time. I’ve had it as one of my goals for the year to test for 6th kyu (green?).

Oyotanren, Wanshu, yakusoku 1-3 and pinan shodan come to mind. Whew! That is a lot! Using the “c” step transition we talked about tonight too. The testing requirement sheet is down stairs on the computer or I’d look at what they are now. (feeling lazy) Oh! Using chest and back more in chudan ukes (middle blocks).

Somewhat random closing thought: Wish I had a picture for this post…

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So without further babble…

My first slices from my first pirate cane and some playing around with the cane ends. I had avoided canes for a long time because of those “wasteful” ends. But now I’m starting to see them as opportunities for unique pieces.

That’s all for now. Although im liking the faux-sepia of the photo, I think I need to use the daylight bulbs next time. Maybe even the light box. But then it wouldn’t be the workable.

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Health-wise I think things are starting to look up. My back is fine now and I think we’ve hit on a migraine medicine that may be working. If I can get quality sleep now I think I’ll be set. Although I was starting to enjoy the insomnia-induced, all-night art/craft time.

So I started making calls. Orthopedic office made appt for another ESI (epidural steroid injection) and told me to go back on Neurontin and take oxycodone for pian. I made a long overdue appt with a new family doc too.

Thursday I went in for the ESI. The staff and doctors at Advanced Radiology really are wonderful. The injection hurt and really did feel like they had poked “Steve” in the eye.

After the numbing wore off though, things got worse. I had a horrible headache, my leg hurt even more and my back was aching. Friday I was able to get to the Amish and to the Planetarium but I was crashing… on a Friday (visions of another ER trip going through my head).

After a few phone conversations, and the help of a friend, I was back at Advanced Radiology with the diagnosis of a spinal headache. The doc was wonderful at explaining things.

I agreed to go with a “blood patch” to cover the spinal leak caused by the ESI. Basically they draw some of your blood and inject it into the same space the ESI went into. Wholly beejeebers!!! The blood draw didn’t go well and the injecting… That was nearly more pain than I could take!

It’s now Saturday. I felt pretty good when I woke up. Pain at a 2. But after about 5 minutes of being up that pain was at a 5 and didn’t go away when I lay down. essentially I am back where I started pain wise. Frustration.

With a little luck, the ESI will kick in this afternoon. Barring that the increasing Neurontin should start helping. Barring that the Oxycodone should knock me out. Depressing.

I hate to end on a downer note so here are a couple really great things that happened this week:

The kids are still loving the yoga so there is some great good coming from it. They are getting really good at arm balances and backbends. It is cute to see their faces light up at doing things they thought beyond their level.

At tea time this week, Jessie read poetry aloud for the first time. Very cool! Afterwards she even wrote her own.

And if that isn’t enough goodness, I’ll close this post with a quote from Jessie: “Thank goodness you have family and friends to take care of you. ”

Indeed!

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I had intended to do a third C5k session on Friday but decided against it. Hurt too much.

But I did one session more than last week plus yoga so I’ll mark that as improvement. Hmmm… May stick with week one until I can get three days in one week.

On the homeschooling front, I tried something new with Jessie’s handwriting worksheets. I had her practice writing in both Spanish and English. Made the sheet using StartWrite software. She seemed to like it too. Always a bonus there.

Second session of a.m. yoga with the kids today. Boggles that running does not hurt but yoga (and just about everything else) does. ??????

Even tried some karate today. I can do punches and blocks but that’s it.

Time is up. Gotta hit the hay.
????! (( _ _ ))..zzzZZ

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Back: Siff and sore from C5k W1D1. Hoping yoga will help keep the muscles loose and the advil will keep the nerve inflammation down. Tomorrow hoping to try W1D2!