Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Sparks Ignite

The planets lined up in such a way, that I was able to attend the Zentangle Certification Seminar (#7!) last week. Each of 100+ participants come to it with their own unique connection and experience of Zentangle. Some come with little sparks, and some come with big fires already burning. It didn't seem to matter what each person's specific relationship to it was. When we were all there together, the fire seemed steady and communal, as if each person passed a little torch to each other all at once. It's a very mysterious  feeling, and as this was my second time to participate in a CZT seminar, I found it interesting that the same feeling was present both times. I can't say what it is that makes it happen, I can only say that it happens. I would go again in a minute if I could.
   I was lucky enough to go with my other half, Daved, and my friends Peg, Lesley, and Angie. We all flew there together, spread out while we were at the seminar, and came back together in the end. Only this time, when we left and stood around in airports, we found ourselves shoulder to shoulder with newfound friends who also found themselves wearing tee-shirts with pen marks all over them. The only clean shirt I had was my new black shirt that posed the question: "Want to see my Zentangles?" By the way, if you have one of those shirts, be careful where you wear it: going through security at an airport isn't a good time to explain Zentangle to the person behind you who has suddenly read your shirt and wants to know what Zentangle is. I would suggest if you do wear one, also stuff some tangled tiles in your pocket for giveaways if you have no time to explain yourself:)
   As I'm still trying to catch up on work after being away for a week, and words really do fail to convey all the wonders of the experience, I will, instead, post a photo that, for me, embodies the spirit of love, camaraderie, and pure joy of the experience. The seminar participants in this photo were at one time, strangers from different parts of the world. But every time I look at the photo, they feel almost like one person. This is the magic I feel from this art form. It's a connector and an equalizer. It's an art for everyone. And I am basking in some fiery gratitude.


7 comments:

  1. Carole, I was at the airport a few hours after you were. When I went through security they asked me if my flight had been delayed because they said they had seen me go through security earlier. I realized they had seen you earlier because we both were wearing our shirts that day. Others asked me the same question. I was just thankful that you had given them the explanation of what zentangle was. It is not a quick explanation.

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  2. Great summary of a fabulous experience, Carole!

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  3. If there were a 'Like' button here I would certainly press it! I'm looking forward to the day that I can attend another seminar with Rick and Maria.
    --Margaret

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  4. How great that you could attend another CZT seminar! I really hope that I am able to experience that again, or maybe a masters class. Dreaming.....!

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  5. whoo---hooo angie and lesley!!! congratulations!! herkimer's jumping for joy!! can't wait for our next floatfest!!!!
    lacey and herk

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  6. Great post Carole, you are so right about the feelings present during the training. Love the picture.

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  7. Dear Carole,I had goosebumps while reading your letter. Thank you for the photo, and yes it embodies a feeling of friendship that was almost instant. I had a great time and hope one day to return. Marizaan van Beek South Africa

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