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One Stroke at a Time . . .

One Stroke at a Time . . .

Maria writes:

A couple days ago, Rick and I spoke online to a Zentangle gathering in Wales. Just before the end, one of the facilitators asked if anyone wanted to tell us how practicing the Zentangle Method had changed their life. One woman raised her hand and she told her story. She described how, after a serious accident and an extended coma, a friend gave her one of our Zentangle books and encouraged her to try it. She did. And she proceeded to tell us how tangling helped her to recover, to move through her pain, and to regain her passion for life.

I was moved to tears. I thought, if she could tell us her story, surely I should be willing to tell mine. Though my story is much different than hers, I want her to know how much she inspired me to share my story.

A few weeks ago, I was shopping for dinner guests. Just an ordinary day, nothing special. As I rounded the bend of the last aisle in the grocery store, I felt a bit fuzzy. I have never passed out in my 70+ years, so I soldiered on. Next thing I know, I am speaking to a very nice EMT, doing what seemed like 90 mph in an ambulance with questionable shock absorbers. One thing led to another, and within a few hours I had a pacemaker implanted in my chest.   

I know this may sound scary and all, but getting the pacemaker didn’t bother me in the least. What really bothered me was that in the crazy kerfuffle at the super market, I injured my right arm and hand.  I kept telling the EMTs and nurses and doctors that my arm was broken. It was really painful. And you know how important that arm and hand are to me! 

It turned out that I did not break my arm. But in the fall, I whacked it hard enough to cause some nerve damage.  When I first returned home, I couldn’t fully use either hand . . . I was told not to move my left hand much and my right (and dominant) hand hardly worked at all. Hmmmm. I sat around for a few weeks, reading and polishing up my left-handed writing and tangling.  All the doctors told me that nerves heal slowly and I would eventually get my hand back . . . not to worry.

I like to think I’m a patient patient, but I gotta say, those days were long!  Then, one bright sunny morning (and there weren’t many of those during that time), I awoke with a glowing attitude of gratitude. I went immediately to my studio and there, perched on my desk was a tan Opus tile. I secretly felt that Rick (with all love and inspiration) strategically placed it there, thinking it would get me to try something, anything. 

So, I grabbed a few 05 and 08 Microns and “attached” a pen to my hand with my “handy” Zentangle blue-green elastic bands I always (God knows why) keep on my desk. I now believe it was part of His grand plan.

It wasn’t the perfect solution, but it was a start. The tangling was quite shaky, but consistently shaky, like I had WAY too much of Rick’s amaZing coffee. The elastic bands were uncomfortable, like using crutches when you break a leg. It was a slow process. 

I worked big, which I have done in the past, and slow (something I haven’t done in the past!) in 10-15 minute intervals. I was unable to use the small graphite and chalk pencils, but I figured, one stroke at a time, right?  

We have a virtual seminar coming up soon. I will decide closer to that day whether or not to draw on camera. But, my dear tanglers, I can talk. So I will accompany Rick, Martha, Molly, Julie and others in a commentary position, adding my 2 cents when inspired.  

So . . . thank you all for your patience and good thoughts to keep me on the straight and narrow, or should I say, the curvy and exuberantly creative? 

Yup. No mistakes.

 

Rick adds,

When I got to the hospital and Maria said she couldn’t move her right arm, perhaps you can imagine the thoughts and emotions that flooded through me at that time.

But, fast forward a few weeks to now and I can say that we have been granted a focused opportunity to put our Zentangle philosophy into real life practice . . . particularly “gratitude” and “Anything is possible one stroke at a time.”

Maria’s response during this saga is an inspiration. Throughout it all, I never heard her complain or give voice to any worries about the future. Perhaps she did that for the benefit of all of us around her, but then, all the more respect and admiration! She took to enthusiastically imagining all the things she could do without the full function of fine motor skills . . . like painting on big canvases which she so enjoyed when she painted the clouds for our photo booth at seminars.

And I can report that every day continues to show improvement. Maria’s response and spirit is an inspiration to us all. No matter what happens, we each always have choices of what to do next. And some of those choices are to choose to be grateful (or not) and to create something beautiful (or not).

Maria and I are so grateful for each other, for our family, for our friends in our amazing and wonderful Zentangle community . . . and for our angels.
 

Rick Roberts

137 comments

  • Thank you for sharing your story Maria.
    May you go from strength to strength.
    Zentangle has been my saving Grace too on so many levels.
    I feel it has changed my life immensely.

    Terry on

  • I was very surprised and concerned when I read this blog. I’m so very happy to hear that you are improving and have found a ‘work around’ in which to enjoy your art. I wish you God’s Richest Blessings in your recovery and look forward to seeing you on the ‘screen’ once again!

    Dianne Riva Cambrin on

  • Wishing you well Maria! Thank you for sharing this story. It is as uplifting and inspiring as your art. One stroke at a time and wonders happen every time. Grateful for this reminder. Thinking of you all at ZTHQ and sending love and healing vibes.

    Plus, look at this community! So special!!

    Juliet on

  • Oh my, what a story. I never knew until I read Joanna’s post.
    What an inspiration, and grateful that you are doing well. A pacemaker, goodness. I does sound scary though.

    Love from NL
    Hilde

    Hilde van Ginhoven on

  • R to hank you both for sharing your story. I had a mental setback in May and have a really had time getting back into my daily Zentangle routine This story has given me the extra courage to try again 💕💕💕

    Karen Haggblad on

  • Prayers for complete healing. Thank you for sharing your story. Zentangle has touched so many lives and will continue to do so.

    Lori Riden on

  • Adding healing thoughts ,prayers and positive energy to the rest of the Zentangle tribes well wishes.Capture it all and use it as you heal. Hugs,D

    Donna on

  • Thank you Maria for sharing your story and hope that you are continuing to recover. 🥰
    I wanted to tell everyone a little bit more about the tangler and CZT who inspired you.

    On the penultimate evening of the recent Zenjo Retreat, in Wales, I had arranged a surprise guest appearance and had kept this secret from everyone until the very last second when we connected the video screen and Maria Thomas & Rick Roberts, joined us, live, in Wales from their home in Massachusetts.

    There was a collective gasp of surprise and joy from all the retreat participants and then a fun 30 mins of conversation with Maria & Rick.
    Towards the end my friend and colleague, Darcy Ellarby CZT, asked if anyone wanted to share their story of how Zentangle had changed their life.

    Immediately Tracy Hough Czt, from the UK, put up her hand. She told her story and brought many of us, including Maria, to tears.

    I have known Tracy for almost 3 years. She took my introduction to Zentangle course and then became a regular member of Zenjo Tangle Club, eventually attending the online seminar and becoming a CZT.

    10 years ago Tracy had a motorcycle accident in which she suffered a serious leg injury. She was only 20 years old and this injury changed what she could do and left her in constant, disabling pain. She has struggled with this pain and being able to have the energy to do things she enjoys.
    I have watched Tracy embrace Zentangle and seen how it has made such a positive impact upon her life….way beyond being creative.

    I knew that coming to the Zenjo Retreat was a big step for her, particularly as she still copes with the pain and exhaustion on a daily basis, but an amazing thing happened!

    This is what she says:
    “I honestly feel like a different person coming away from the retreat, and for the first time in 10 years (in October) I feel like I’ve found myself again after my accident. I was able to socialize without feeling crowded & having flashbacks (from all the people crowding me at the accident) I have not felt more my self in 10 years. I thought I would spend days recovering in bed in pain and I DIDN’t. And after sharing my story with you all, and inspiring Maria of all people, I’m honoured. If I can enhance one other person’s life with Zentangle I feel like I’ve achieved my goal.
    Thank you again to Darcy Ellarby And Joanna Quincey for arranging the retreat and all my fellow Tanglers who accompanied me and made that possible. You will all have a special place in my heart.”

    I am very proud of Tracy! She has a whole world of opportunities and joy out there. I can’t wait to see what she does next.
    🥰💞

    Joanna Quincey - Zenjo on

  • Thank you Maria for sharing your story and hope that you are continuing to recover. 🥰
    I wanted to tell everyone a little bit more about the tangler and CZT who inspired you.

    On the penultimate evening of the recent Zenjo Retreat, in Wales, I had arranged a surprise guest appearance and had kept this secret from everyone until the very last second when we connected the video screen and Maria Thomas & Rick Roberts, joined us, live, in Wales from their home in Massachusetts.

    There was a collective gasp of surprise and joy from all the retreat participants and then a fun 30 mins of conversation with Maria & Rick.
    Towards the end my friend and colleague, Darcy Ellarby CZT, asked if anyone wanted to share their story of how Zentangle had changed their life.

    Immediately Tracy Hough Czt, from the UK, put up her hand. She told her story and brought many of us, including Maria, to tears.

    I have known Tracy for almost 3 years. She took my introduction to Zentangle course and then became a regular member of Zenjo Tangle Club, eventually attending the online seminar and becoming a CZT.

    10 years ago Tracy had a motorcycle accident in which she suffered a serious leg injury. She was only 20 years old and this injury changed what she could do and left her in constant, disabling pain. She has struggled with this pain and being able to have the energy to do things she enjoys.
    I have watched Tracy embrace Zentangle and seen how it has made such a positive impact upon her life….way beyond being creative.

    I knew that coming to the Zenjo Retreat was a big step for her, particularly as she still copes with the pain and exhaustion on a daily basis, but an amazing thing happened!

    This is what she says:
    “I honestly feel like a different person coming away from the retreat, and for the first time in 10 years (in October) I feel like I’ve found myself again after my accident. I was able to socialize without feeling crowded & having flashbacks (from all the people crowding me at the accident) I have not felt more my self in 10 years. I thought I would spend days recovering in bed in pain and I DIDN’t. And after sharing my story with you all, and inspiring Maria of all people, I’m honoured. If I can enhance one other person’s life with Zentangle I feel like I’ve achieved my goal.
    Thank you again to Darcy Ellarby And Joanna Quincey for arranging the retreat and all my fellow Tanglers who accompanied me and made that possible. You will all have a special place in my heart.”

    I am very proud of Tracy! She has a whole world of opportunities and joy out there. I can’t wait to see what she does next.
    🥰💞

    Joanna Quincey - Zenjo on

  • Thank you for sharing your story with us. No matter the situation a Tile & Zentangle Method always helps me to remember to breathe & remember “one stroke at a time.” Love 💗

    Josephine Wood on

  • Thank you, Maria, for sharing your journey. You are such an inspiring woman! Gratitude and love. xo

    Alannah MacPhail on

  • Dear Maria, I too wondered about your limited participation in PP #21. Thank you for sharing your story. As I read the stories from others, I realize that we each have our burden to bear. Perhaps the worst of the recovery is past and you can now look forward to even better things! Wishing you a speedy and complete recovery. Thanks too for being such a bright light to all of Tangle World!

    Linda Friedly on

  • Oh Maria, I’m so sorry this happened . But also, not, sort of! You took this opportunity and ran with it. Heal quickly.
    The work you showed here is just as spectacular as usual. Had I not read your story I would never have guessed you had drawing issues.

    Margaret Bremner on

  • Sending love, hugs and healing to you Maria. Back in 2010 I hand a total mental and physical breakdown. I couldn’t read, write, talk sensibly or do anything that I considered worthwhile. I couldn’t even get angry with myself, although I felt it. I don’t remember how I found Zentangle but my hubby bought me a book and, like you, I found ways to imitate the tangles. It took years, but eventually I’m kind of back. I still struggle with reading but writing and drawing are possible. Walking and movement is good, although I get tired quickly. When I’m tired I have no control over speech and the funniest words come out. Keep at it Maria, you’ll get there, one stroke at a time. Amanda xx

    Amanda Peart CZT Eu4 on

  • Maria, I love your shaky tangling. It inspires me. I’ve used you as an example many times, when people have said theyr’e discouraged about their art because they can’t draw smooth lines or curves. “Maria Thomas is the co-founder of a hugely successful drawing method! And none of her lines are perfectly smooth. And her work is beautiful because of the unevenness, not in spite of it.”

    Grey on

  • That you for sharing your story and in doing so inspiring all of us. Thinking positive thoughts for you to continue in your healing. I have great appreciation for what you created in Zentangle.

    Sharon on

  • Dear Maria, thank you for sharing this very personal story with us. We now understand why we didn’t see you draw on PP21. One doesn’t have to read between the lines to perceive your strength and determination and also the love of those around you. Wishing you complete recovery and continued good health. 🥰

    Dominique on

  • Maria – Yikes! What a journey. The most wonderful thing about our Zentangle community is the love and support we all give to one another and to you. The positivity of Zentangle and all who participate in Zentangle is a healing force for all of us and now it is a healing force for you as well.

    ❤️❤️

    Barbara W-F on

  • Dear Maria, I had no idea you were going through all of this. I heard you say you couldn’t draw right now in the PP21 video, but had no idea it was all of this. You have always been an inspiration and this is just one more example of your strength, ingenuity and perseverance. I send all of my healing thoughts to you and your beautiful family.

    Jody Genovese on

  • Maria- what a scare…. so glad you are mending and such an inspiration to all of us! You have a great family to support you- that includes your Zentangle family!

    sue trrembeth CZT 38 on

  • Dear Maria,
    Sending prayers for complete healing. Thank you for sharing your journey. You are an inspiration to me and to so many Tanglers around the world. I wonder if your experience will lead to looking at Zentangle in new ways. Sending love ❤️

    Mary Lou Minard CZT 32 on

  • As a career Art Therapist, I always believed in the power of art to heal, but it wasn’t until I broke my dominant arm and completely displaced my hand, (the force of my fall, tore everything away and jammed my hand over the ulna and radius-looked monstrous!), that I understood what it was to eat my own cooking! My hand surgeon told me I would likely never use my hand for Art again. I wept in his office. He told me I was a smart woman and could train to do something else. It took years to be pain free, but with continuous work over the next 3 years, with every media I could get my hands on, (clay, painting, drawing, crocheting, sewing, ….Zentangle.), I used every means possible. I healed my hand to fully function with no pain, but most importantly, I healed my spirit, emotional health and my solid belief in the power of art. Thank you for sharing your story. You join the ranks of those who “eat their own cooking”. Prayers for soft and flowing healing. I profoundly appreciate everything you have done for so many with this wonderful practice. Many blessings.

    Alice on

  • Adelante María, hiciste descubrir el artista q tenemos y todavía hay mucho q hacer para q el mundo Zentangle siga creciendo. Gracias María.

    Edith on

  • Adelante María, hiciste descubrir el artista q tenemos y todavía hay mucho q hacer para q el mundo Zentangle siga creciendo. Gracias María.

    Edith on

  • Holy smokes, Maria! So glad your heart and soul are doing well! Thank you for sharing and reminding me to live in gratitude every single day❤️. I pray for your full recovery!

    Leslie Mahon on

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