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CZT Family Tree: Ann Baum

CZT Family Tree: Ann Baum

We always say that the Zentangle Method attracts really awesome people. We have had the pleasure of working with wonderful Certified Zentangle Teachers (CZT) all over the world and we are excited to share these wonderful people with the entire Zentangle Community. Through our series, CZT Family Tree, we will introduce individual CZTs.




Today, we are excited to introduce Ann Baum!

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Name: Ann Baum.

CZT#: 36.

Hometown: Sacramento, CA.

Favorite tangle: Tipple, any dots or orbs.

Favorite place to tangle: My sun room studio.

How I use the Zentangle Method in my life: Teaching art to children. Grief management following the death of my husband 8 years ago. Now, as way to manage stress as I care for my ailing parents.

My favorite story or memory about teaching the Zentangle Method is: The parents who have told me how The Zentangle Method has improved their child’s lives. Many of my students have learning disabilities; autism, medical or emotional needs. The Zentangle Method doesn’t care about that, so my students thrive in the atmosphere of tangling. They admire each other’s tangles and can be OK with themselves and what they create. I am finding that "OK" can be a goal. We don’t have to be constantly disappointed or elated ... pleasantly pleased is enough.

Through my experiences as a CZT, I have learned: To accept things the way they are, to breathe and be OK. Try to embrace the detours, mistakes and nonsense in my life as potentially serendipitous.

If I’m not tangling, you will find me...: Working in the yard or binge-watching British TV. But mostly, caring for my elderly parents. Tangling has brought the calm I need to deal with the complexities of full time care-giving. My parents are 91 and both suffer life threatening illnesses. My mom is on dialysis and my dad on chemo. They have had full, successful, happy lives so being reduced to ‘burdens’ is very difficult for us all. Tangling is an escape, a release, and something I rely on for mental wellness.

Mosaic Name (if applicable): CZT36Ann


I started this tile during the Dancing in the Moonlight GellyRoll Project Pack. It’s not finished, neither am I. Waiting for the right moment to continue. My life is on hold, so is this tile.

Bijou

26 comments

  • Ann I find some lovely intersections in our stories. I work with children as an elementary school counselor and have gotten to do some Zentangle work with small and large groups at my school. I, too, shepherded my parents for some years before they passed in the last year. They both had life-ending conditions and it was a lot! I admire your work and also knowing your boundaries as you do this sacred work for your parents and the children you serve. Love, healing and care to you!

    Linda Lockwood on

  • Your message is lovely and thank you doesn’t do it total justice – your whole picture and you are lovely – life is a journey = we don’t know where it leads, but you are on the right path. May peace be yours.

    Florence Lednum on

  • Your message is lovely and thank you doesn’t do it total justice – your whole picture and you are lovely – life is a journey = we don’t know where it leads, but you are on the right path. May peace be yours.

    Florence Lednum on

  • As a former hospice nurse, I can attest to the angel status of all caregivers. You are among all those who give of themselves for others. It is a 24/7 commitment because it is always on your mind. I encourage you to continue your self care for the good of your folks by being able to meet their needs and for the good of yourself to remain centered and strong. Don’t be afraid to ask for and accept help. You deserve it! Keep breathing…

    Kathy Stockton-Behnke on

  • This is a truly moving blog entry about how Zentangle is helping you cope with elderly care. Ann, thank you for sharing your story.

    Libby Gilpatric CZT 19 on

  • Thank You so much for sharing your heart, wisdom and insight. Zentangle is a fabulous discovery to so many of us. Bringing moments of sanity to oft times out of control feeling lives. I love the idea of pleasantly pleased, wonderful!! May you, your students and your parents continue to enjoy the direct, and ripple, effects of Zentangle! 💗🙏🏼🤗

    Barb on

  • My surprise at finding myself featured on the Family Tree was surpassed only by the responses. I read, and reread, them as a way to pinch myself that all these lovely people relate to my tangled life in some way. I appreciate not only being selected, but hope that other tanglers who have found a refuge in Zentangling know that the aura that surrounds tanglers is contagious. It can be as powerful as medication in calming, focusing and healing your mind, body and soul during challenging times. To that I can now add all of you. Thank you.

    Ann Baum on

  • Hi, Ann, I very much appreciate the openness with which you shared your story. I too am spending as much time as I can with my elderly parents—both of whom are artists and really enjoy my work, though haven’t tried it yet themselves. The tangle you shared is lovely. When it’s finished I hope you post it on the ZT app. Your work with kids and parents is inspiring even with the challenges. Warm regards, Kristi from Santa Cruz.

    Kristia Wolf, CZT30 on

  • Ann, thank you for sharing your life and message because everybody has something even if we don’t have your challenges. I will be one of those who will be adding “pleasantly pleased” to my thinking. Sending you prayful thoughts.

    Carol Sheridan, CZT19 on

  • Ann, an inspiring biography of someone many of us can relate to! Finding the moments of peace in an otherwise hectic day is so meaningful for us all. Being content within those peaceful moments bring us to our daily journey.

    Ginger White CZT34 on

  • That sums it up absolutely perfect “pleasantly surprised’ and having been a long term carer to my recently deceased father in law I know how this leaves us feeling and I send you warmest heartfelt thoughts. I am very new to Zentangle and it has already helped me find a beautiful calmness for which I am very grateful to the lovely people like you, Maria & Rick for sharing this magical bit of peacefulness that we can all be a part of, Thank you

    Jacqueline Evans on

  • Thank you for sharing your story! Life is very “tangled” sometimes. Grateful that Zentagle has been there to help me/us find our creativity and peacefulness even when times are challenging.

    Dakamom on

  • It’s such a truth that Zentangle seems to attract the helpers of the world. So grateful to be among people like you. You and your parents and students are blessed and blessings both. ♥️

    Alice Steuck Konkel on

  • Thanks for sharing.

    Janice, CZT 14 on

  • ‘Pleasantly pleased’ was just what I needed to hear. Thank you.

    Your unfinished tile is beautiful.

    Judy on

  • Dear Ann, I, Like Juliet, was touched by your “pleasantly pleased” sensibility. Yes, it is just fine to be “okay” as a goal. So much stress results in striving for perfection and its never reached anyway! Its the journey not the destination after all. It warms my heart that you are a teacher and freely give your talent and wisdom to others. Bless you.

    . Vivian on

  • Thanks so much for sharing your story with us…I like your way of thinking and your ‘tangleness’!! Best to you and your parents, Ann -💜

    Shawna Oertley on

  • Thanks so much for sharing your story with us…I like your way of thinking and your ‘tangleness’!! Best to you and your parents, Ann -💜

    Shawna Oertley on

  • I like how you said ‘embrace the detours’ so true.

    Nancy needler on

  • Ann, Many thanks for sharing…stunning colorway, intriguing complexity that in some way seems to capture your present station in life. Blessings to you as you minister to your beloved parents.

    Judith Rae Shamp, CZT 9 on

  • What beautiful work and a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing.

    Kathy McMurtry on

  • Thank you for your inspiring story. The Zentangle Method is a balm for the soul💕

    Brenda Jowers on

  • Thank you Ann for sharing this. I loved your “pleasantly pleased”, it is so true. The tile/text you shared at the end is also beautiful. Tiles are what they are. Maybe there are no finished tiles, just tiles that represents a moment in time and it is as it is. Sending warm thoughts.

    Juliet on

  • Love your work, Ann! You are a blessing to your family and friends.

    Lauren D Yeandel on

  • Your tangling is beautiful, very beautiful, your story is lovely and Brit tv rocks!

    Mary Kay Watson CZT 17 on

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